1.14 Time for reflection

Jace stood at the head of the table and reflected.

Kyra Lilly grew up and accepted her brother's starter house across town. It wasn't large, but it was big enough for her and her new addition.

Dean was released a week later from the hospital, he was shook up, but alive. In this time he also aged into elder and but decided against retiring from his Star New Anchor position at the local station.

Haleigh was also teetering on elderhood. Having worked a part time job her entire adult life, she could not rely on a pension but knew she really didn't need to anymore. For Haleigh, watching the children age was enough. She had almost accomplished her lifetime want. Now that she was retiring and the kids were grown, it was time to finish it up that guitar skill.

Isaiah finally entered high school. He did not particularly enjoy school, he'd prefer to be at home creating works of art, but it helped pass the day along.

Jace stood back and watched his family crowd around him at the table. Like many times before, the noise makers whistled and the family yelled. He closed his eyes and blew out the candles.

Now he was going to do something awesome with his life.

((Gen one complete))

1.13 Because each end is a new beginning.

Jace stood at the mailbox in shock. In his hand held his acceptance letter from city hall for a paid internship. This was the beginning of his new life.

Jace was going to pack up his belongings and hit the road. Live on his own for awhile.

Plus he happened to notice his parents looking at starter houses across town. He couldn't wait to start his new life on his next birthday. He had worked hard through out his teenage years and could not wait to reap the benefits.



The night before Jace's adult birthday, a phone call came from Riverview's hospital. Haleigh picked up the phone and rattled the usual greeting.
"Is this the Parke's residence?" An unfamiliar voice asked over the phone.

Across the room Jace watched his mother nod, then fall against the wall sobbing. Moments later Jace was at her side. "Mom. Mom. What's wrong. Mom," he said pulling a sobbing Haleigh into his arms.
"Your father has been injured."

It turns out Dean was injured while covering a story in Riverview. The criminal was caught, but the damage by his gun left the family wondering if Dean would make it.

Instead of packing up his belongings, Jace gave his starter house to his sister and stayed to care for his aging mother and growing brother.

((Wonder who the heir's going to be... ))

1.12 Last but not least

For as complicated as the pregnancy was, birthing wasn't hard at all.
At least for Haleigh.

As for Dean, the moment Haleigh hit the ground the house started spinning. If it wasn't for Jace carrying her to the couch, Dean was sure that the new baby would be born in a chair.

Thanks to Jace's quick thinking, baby Isaiah was born on the couch.





But the night wasn't over with yet.

Shortly after Isaiah was born, Kyra Lilly grew into a teenager.

1.11 Uncertain Futures

Jace took a part time job at the local spa to be closer to his best friend, Lucy. It wasn't that he wanted to date her, he valued their friendship too much. Jace just enjoyed her company, like he always had.

His parents felt otherwise and warned him to stay focused on his studies.

Meanwhile, Haleigh swelled to twice her size. Health problems plagued her pregnancy. Deep down she knew this would be the last time. Dean really stepped up to the plate. Between writing and managing the house, he still found time to make Haleigh's life easy.

Deep down Dean was excited to be having another child. He'd never admit it out loud but Haleigh knew.




The Parke's sat around the dinner table enjoying a dish Dean prepared. Haleigh sat at the table, watching him scoop and flip.
"Sorry I couldn't finish," Haleigh said, rubbing her tummy.
"It's okay love," Dean said, watching the pancake fly through the air and land in the skillet, "you need to conserve your energy."

This pregnancy hadn't been easy so far but it was almost over.

"It doesn't matter babe," Dean said leaning in to kiss her, "dinner's done. Kids!"

Kyra Lilly ran from the patio and Jace took a seat next to Haleigh.

Kyra chattered on about her day at school while Jace and Dean discussed the latest draft picks. Haleigh felt a sharp pain run through her stomach and up her back. Haleigh stood up from her chair and immediately lost balance, falling back into her seat.

"Dean, we've got to go," she said grabbing her stomach.

But they never made it to the hospital.

1.10 Sometimes there's a left turn

Haleigh finally got the updated furniture she wanted and Jace got his own room, Dean built a proper deck. And the house got a much needed face lift.

The kids were growing like wild flowers. Haleigh enjoyed watching the kids learn and grow, but sometimes, it made her feel old.

Jace became a hansom teenager and toyed with getting a part-time job. His parents didn't push him either way, he'd have enough time to work when he was older. As for now, Jace's dreams were all his parents wanted him to worry about. Jace himself had hopes of becoming President or even better, Leader of the Free World.

Kyra Lilly grew to be a beautiful girl with her father's eyes. A little anti social at first, Kyra Lilly loved to be behind her telescope. It wasn't until she meet Kathy Wolff at school that she learned the social skills needed to function in school.

Haleigh felt empty knowing that her youngest baby was about to enter school. Part of her wanted to have another baby. Just to have that comfort again. Then she thought about the sleepless nights and the dirty diapers.

Truth was Haleigh was happy and content with her life. She had amazing kids and a wonderful husband. It couldn't get any better.

Until morning sickness reared its ugly head.

Dean and Haleigh had to face their biggest fears. Another child was on the way.

1.9 Everyday Life

Haleigh quit nagging Dean about the house but Dean couldn't forget. Sometimes, he hated himself. In the past he'd always dream about their life together.

Needless to say, this isn't how he their life to play out.
However, Dean felt like he and Haleigh were good parents. They were dealt a hand they didn't want, but they made the best of it. And Dean wouldn't change it for the world. They may have lived in a tiny house with hand me down, second hand furnishings but Jace was taken care of and the family had enough money to survive on and still buy what they needed.

At least it was better than how Dean grew up.
Then there was Kyra Lilly. Dean's beautiful little girl. Dean never wanted to admit that he had favorites, but he knew the true meaning of "daddy's girl" when he would hold her.

She was growing fast, faster than he wanted to admit. One day Haleigh was bringing her home from the hospital and the next she was walking and learning to talk.
Jace wasn't an exception either. Dean remembers fondly helping the baby walk or snuggling him close. Now Jace was preparing for his first year of school.

Haleigh and Dean spent some nights cuddling in bed and talking about their two children. Something about their life together seemed complete.

Dean reflected on this as his birthday approached. He was almost an adult and wondered what the next phase of life would bring him.

1.8 New arrival

Haleigh jerked awake in the dead of night. At first she thought it was Jace crying in the other room that woke her but the puddle under her suggested otherwise.

"Dean. Dean," she said lightly, nudging him under the covers. Dean stirred awake and looked at her.
"It's time Dean. It's time," Haleigh said swinging her legs over the bed.

"We've got to get you to the hospital," Dean said as he leaped from the bed. As his feet hit the floor Dean entered panic mode as he stressed over finding her hospital bag.

Haleigh, as calm as could be looked at the disoriented Dean and laughed. "Babe, it's right here," She said holding up the bag.

"Good. Good. Let's get you out of here," Dean said shoving her into the cab awaiting outside.
He ran around to the other side of the cab and opened the door.

"Dean, someone has to stay with Jace. I obviously can't," Haleigh said looking across the seat.

Dean put his hand on his head and nodded reluctantly.

As the taxi sped towards town, Dean pulled Jace up from his sleep.
"Come here big boy, lets go potty," Dean cooed, carrying Jace into the bathroom.

The minutes passed slowly as Dean watched Jace play in the floor. He stared at the phone, waiting for the call.

Jace stood up on his wobbly legs and one after another, took small strides to his father on the couch.
"Jace!" Dean shouted excitedly as his son took his first steps.

Jace fell in the floor at Dean's feet and laughed and the sudden change in height. Dean swooped down to catch the boy as the phone rang in the kitchen.

"Mr. Parkes, you're a father of two now. You have a baby daughter!" The doctor spoke calmly over the phone. Pride welled in Dean's stomach as he hugged Jace tighter.

1.7 Make room for one more

The honeymoon was one to remember. Tucked into the country side of Champs Les Sims, the couple spent a quiet week enjoying each others company and sight seeing.

Nothing is better than coming home after a long vacation. This is how Dean felt as he took his first step into his house. He looked at Jace and gathered him into his arms. Of course Dean missed his vacation, but being with his son seemed more important.

Jace began to whine, the little trooper had really gotten the hang of walking in his absence. Dean stood Jace up on the ground. Without a moment to spare, Jace grabbed his father's hand and led him into his room.

What Dean when he entered the room made his heart jump into his throat.

Two cribs.

"Haleigh?" Dean called from the room, confusion in his voice.
"Yes hon?" Haleigh called innocently, sneaking up behind him.
"Why is there an extra bed in here?"
A grin tugged at the ends of her lips as Dean spun around.

"I think we might need a bigger house," Dean said, taking Haleigh into his arms.

1.6 I do

The day was beautiful. The temperature was perfect. Haleigh stood inside the house, admiring herself in the mirror. She had dreamed about this day since she was a little girl.

And at one point, she dreamed about marring Dean.

It would be perfect.





As she looked down the aisle, her eyes met with Dean's. She smiled thinking about their past and looking forward to their future. Haleigh glanced over at her son, who was conveniently daddy's best man. He could barely stand on his little legs.

Haleigh beamed as "Here comes the Bride" echoed through the back yard.




Dean stood in front of all their family and friends. His wife was beautiful and he was ready to forget the past and move on to the future.

Staring into each other eyes they pledged undying, unconditional love to each other and sealed it with one single kiss.

1.5 Bundle of Joy

Dean woke up before his alarm sounded. He looked around the room, taking notice that the sun was barely shining through the windows. It must be early, Dean thought rolling over to spoon his lovely wife. Dean felt around on the bed but Haleigh was missing.

"Haleigh?" He called but his voice echoed through the house. Dean walked hesitantly though his room to find Haleigh hanging up the phone.

"Dean, don't panic, but I'm going to to labor. I've called the taxi already. Let's get to the hospital."

There were very few things that Dean could say scared him. This was one of the times. Dean had a hard time waiting in the delivery room. As much as he wanted to be with Haleigh, he couldn't bring himself to watch her suffer knowing that there was nothing he could do to ease her pain.

So Dean took to pacing outside the hospital. Waiting. After about 100 trips back and forth, Dean pep talked himself into returning to the room. To be at his wife's side when their first baby was born.

It was almost perfect timing. He entered the room to hear the doctor coaching and Haleigh's loud screaming between breath's, "GET ME MY HUSBAND!" Dean smirked as he suited up to be at her side.

It didn't take long before baby Jace entered the world. He was small for a new born but he was healthy.

1.4 Little Surprises

Haleigh wasn't sure exactly how she would break it to Dean. After all, even if they had reached the "friends with benefits" status, neither was ready for a child. It was true that Dean had received a few generous promotions but this was hardly the environment Haleigh wanted to raise a child in.

She looked her body up and down in the mirror, expecting the worst yet hoping for the best.

Haleigh heard the front door click open, "Hey Haleigh, guess what came in the mail!" Dean said, running into her room. He trust a envelope into her hands, "Open it! Open it!" Dean chanted, with Christmas excitement in his eyes.

Haleigh slowly opened the envelope and unfolded a check for 500 Simoleons. "It's from your art work!"

Haleigh beamed. It wasn't much. But it was a start. And they would definitely need it.




Dean returned home on night to find Haleigh cooking his favorite meal, pancakes, for dinner. After a quick kiss, Dean made his way to the compute to work on a story for his next deadline.

"Dean. Dean," Haleigh called behind him. Dean turned to see the table set for two.
"Sorry love, I have a lot on my mind," Dean said, standing to push in the computer chair.

A lump welled in Haleigh's throat. Maybe tonight wouldn't be a good night.



Haleigh couldn't explain why, but she knew it was time. Everything just felt right.
"Dean," Haleigh said as he raised the fork to his mouth, "I'm pregnant."

It was uncomfortably quiet until Dean's fork free fell to his plate.
"Preg. Preg. Pregnant?" Dean stuttered out.

Haleigh looked at him weakly. Almost afraid of his reaction.

Tears welled behind Dean's eyes. It was unexpected news. But they would manage. After all, they had made it through worse.

It was Dean that made the next move. He quickly jumped from his seat and lifted Haleigh in the air.

"I love you Haleigh," was all Dean could manage to say.

1.3 Loose Nights

The only perk to Dean's house was the bar out back and the pond located adjacent to the property. Dean used this perk to his advantage many nights to have the guys from work over for beers around the bonfire.

Tonight wasn't any different.

Outside the guys listened to loud music and yelled across the fire. Haleigh walked inside and sat her belongings in her room and peeked out her window to see two silhouettes dance across the trees. Figuring one had to be Dean, she walked outside to greet him.

Dean was seated next to the fire with Conner, his trusty co-worker. Together they had knocked out an entire twelve pack of beer. On deck was a second, unopened twelve pack. Haleigh walked around the corner and approached the guys, quickly realizing that she should have stayed in the bedroom.

It was too late to turn back, Dean was already up and offering her his place by the fire. He sat down on the ground, breaking into the unopened twelve pack. Dean greedily opened the first he pulled from the pack. Knocking back his head, he caught Haleigh gazing into the fire. Without thinking, he scooped up a second can and offered it to Haleigh.

Hours past and the fire died. The three headed towards the main house. "Goodbye guys!" Conner yelled at the sidewalk.
Dean stumbled over to Conner as fast as he could, to Haleigh the sight was hilarious, "Dude. Your." Dean stopped, placing his hand on Conner's shoulder. "Yourtodrunktodrive."
"Dude. What?" Conner said, tilting his head in confusion.
Dean raised his voice, repeating his last statement, enunciating each slurred syllable. "Dooode. You. Are. Tooooo. Drunnkk. To. Drive." Conner busted out in a fit of laughter.
"Dude. I live across the street."
Dean joined Conner in a fit of laughter and walked back Haleigh in the door way.

Haleigh opened the fridge to search for a snack. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Dean leaning against the counter, watching her. "Stop staring at me," she said, closing the refrigerator door forgetting why she had opened it in the first place.

She turned to face Dean. Little had changed since she left him years ago. She toyed with the thought of kissing him like she used to. Before she could convince herself that alcohol was skewing her judgment, Dean reached for her and pulled her into his arms.

For minutes they stood there holding each other. Almost like old times.

Haleigh shifted in his arms and looked up at him. Her eyes looking deeply into his, reading his soul. Dean felt like he was possibly reading to much into this moment but he did not dare to break her gaze. Her words echoed through his mind. Those hurtful words from long ago. They tore him then and continued tearing him now. Then her eyes were mocking him. Laughing at his pain.
Sober, he would have realized this was his mind playing tricks on him. Causing him to believe that the one person he'd ever loved was mocking him.

"Stop it," Dean yelled, pushing her away.
"Stop what?" Haleigh shouted back, "What's your problem?"

Dean looked across the space separating them. She seemed so distant, just out of reach. Dean reached out and looped his arms around Haleigh's waist and pulled her close.

He stared into her eyes. They searched him, confused. Without thinking, Dean pulled her closer, taking in the scent of her hair. He gently placed his lips on hers, slowly teasing her lips open.

Haleigh resisted at first but Dean's arms were tight around her, holding her against him.

As Dean's tongue danced in her mouth, Haleigh was over come with the feelings she hid. He was no longer "Dean the asshole" but her Dean. The Dean she remembered. The Dean she spent endless nights with, laying under the stars, talking about college.

Within moments, the walls she had spent years building crashed down around them.

"I want you," Dean whispered into her ear. His voice dipping low, seductively. Haleigh indulged in his kisses. Each one more passionately than the one before. It wasn't until Haleigh felt the bed under her that she realized they had shifted rooms.

"Dean," she began to protest but he cut her short, "Shhh," he said before pressing her into the bed.

1.2 Busted

Life with Dean wasn't easy. Besides the fact the house was small and dishes piled in the sink and on the counters, oh and there was the tiny fact Dean was the only person to ever hurt her. But he was easy to avoid most of the time.

After all, just because she had to live with him didn't mean she had to hang with him.

Haleigh preferred to invest her time on her artistic abilities. Since Dean spent his days at the Corporate Towers, Haleigh choose to work the night shift at the cemetery. For Haleigh, this set up was ideal. Separate schedules meant no Dean.

From time to time Haleigh's plan back fired.

Haleigh heard her key click in the door. Since it was late, she entered quietly flicking on the light switch and lightly stepping across the wooden floor. Instead of walking into the familiar messy living room. Haleigh glanced across the clean and tidy living room. Her years swept the open space until they landed on Dean.

Dean and the woman in his arms.

Haleigh's temper flared and her fists tightened. "What the hell Dean!" she shouted over the television.

The woman pulled away in shock as Haleigh retreated into her room, slamming the door behind her.

Fiona's eyes narrowed at Dean. "Explain," she said bitterly.
"Look, she's just my roommate," who happens to be an ex, Dean said, wiping a small amount of hair from Fiona's face.
Fiona's eyes narrowed in disbelief. Dean leaned towards her, whispering in her ear. "Do you really think she'd be in there if I was out here cheating on her."
Fiona smiled lightly and leaned back in for a kiss.

"I guess if you don't believe me so far, follow me," Dean said slyly, pulling Fiona to her feet and pulling her into his bedroom.

The problem with Dean's shack was the paper thin walls. Haleigh heard a door shut and her heart lifted, until she heard a high pitched laughed from Dean's room.

What is my problem, Haleigh thought to herself.

Ch 1.1 Welcome Home

Returning to Dean's house was hard for Haleigh. Returning to anything that had to do with Dean was hard.

Especially after chucking his ring at his head all those years ago.

But anything was better than admitting defeat to her father. A cold chill traced her spine as she thought about the dreams she had when she was younger. The dreams to travel to Champs Les Sims, become an world renowned painter, attend all the parties, know all the people. Dreams quickly squished by her cold hearted father.

She took one last breath of fresh air and knocked on the door.

He was relieved to see her. A sweet financial angel. He was embarrassed. He did pretty much live in a shack. A shack he couldn't afford. But it wasn't his fault that the local Newspaper was only hiring for paper boys. A job he couldn't wait to forget.

However, all of these emotions fled him when he saw her. Of course it had been years since he saw her last. Although he had watched her graduate, against the restraining order, he quickly avoided her at all other times. No harm. No foul. She was just as beautiful now as she was then. Her frame was tall and slender and her brown eyes sparkled in the night light.

Words escaped him.

"Hey, these bags are heavy. Can I come in?" Haleigh asked.
All Dean could do was nod and step out of the way.
"The door on the right is yours."

Haleigh observed her surroundings as she made her way through the combined living room and kitchen. It was the typical guy pad. Hole filled couch, rustic table for two, a concrete and plywood T.V stand, complete with a layer of dirty clothes in place of rugs.

She tugged her bag into her "room." At least there was one room in the house inhabitable.

The Beginnings

Dean moved to Sunset Valley after college to take advantage of the growing journalism market. After unsuccessfully finding a decent job, and almost losing his house, he invited his ex-college girlfriend to live with him. Down on her luck herself, Haleigh was living out of her brand new Kompensator until it was reposed by the bank.


Even though they had a falling out during college, Haleigh needed some help and always had a soft spot for Dean. Regardless of the stupid, inconsiderate things he'd done in the past.

~*~

For the random legacy challenge, I rolled a couple with three children. Dean is the primary bread maker in his journalism career. Luckily enough, his lifetime want is to become a Star News Anchor. With some hard work and dedication he can achieve that. Haleigh, prefers to work part time and focus her efforts on her family (that she doesn't have yet but will) and reaching her own aspirations of becoming a Master of the Arts (master painting and guitar). Their generation goal (although they don't know it yet) is to fulfill both of their LTW.

And for "Miscellaneous fun" this generation will all have a common trait, ambitious (because both parents some how got it!).