4.10 Diminishing Nights

The talent scout gig seemed to be exactly what Lexi wanted. She spent her time traveling all over the world looking for "the next big thing." It was perfect for her, yet her parents thought differently.

"Lexi, when are we going to get our grandbabies!" Her father taunted over Saturday morning cartoons. Lexi would smile at his request. Having children was the last thing on Lexi's mind. Children were disgusting. Not to mention they oozed out of ever pore. Not exactly what Lexi wanted in her future. She was happy with Joseph.

Both her parents know they were nearing the end of their lives. Logan took this opportunity to make things right with Mason. Even though Joseph and Layla were regulars at the house, Mason still held a grudge against his father. It wasn't a task that could be solved over night, Mason was too stubborn for that.

Lexi had regular run ins with her brother, "Regardless if he isn't your biological father, he still raised you. You owe him to see him Mason, he's getting sick."
"Lex I can't. You just don't understand," Mason protested.
"Don't understand," Lexi argued, "I was adopted too. Do you think I don't want to find my true parents! It's natural Mason. But they love you. Like you are their son. They raised you," Lexi finished, raising her voice and enunciating each word.

With much effort, and a few guilt trips, Lexi finally coaxed Mason into coming over to house.

MaKenzie spent her last days thinking. At her old age, it was hard to sleep all night. She often found her self awake before the sun. She made it a habit to sit out on the deck over looking the family plot. She would listen to the birds as they welcomed the new day as she sipped on her coffee, thinking about the past. Some mornings, she swore she could see her grandfather (Jace) tending to her garden.

4.9 Moving on up

Days with the band were difficult. Weston became romantically involved with Kristin, the lead singer. Not only was this awkward for Lexi, but she was constantly covering for them in the media, even if the tabloids were all over the news.

"Lexi," her father called from the couch, "Devin called today. He wants you to call him back."
Lexi rolled her eyes but pulled out her phone and began dialing the familiar number.

"Lexi! How are you?" Devin's voice came clear through the receiver; his voice full of excitement.

"I'm good, now cut crap. What do you want" Lexi snapped bitterly. Deep down she loved him and she knew it.

"Maybe I won't tell you," he whispered into the phone. He always knew how to talk to her. How to make her heart melt. It was hard to keep her voice steady.

"Just tell me Devin," she whined into the phone. All I want to do is to go back to pretending you don't exist.
"Well I guess you've convinced me. My boss fired one of our scouts, and he asked me if I knew anyone. Well I might have mentioned your name. You start Monday."

Lexi stood in the foyer shocked. Trying hard to ignore the pain in her heart, she rejoiced at the thought of leaving the band and moving on. It might not have been writing lyrics, but at least it was away from Weston.


Note: I know I just built this amazing house, but I'm so ready to build a new one. So I'm thinking gen 5 is moving. I think the non-heir is sticking to this house and everyone else will move. I'll work something out.

4.8 Your calling

Lexi came home from grueling contract negotiations. Although the day was long and hard, it was still productive. Lexi walked into the house and dropped her bag by the door. "Lexi!" Her father called from the family room. Massaging her temples, Lexi walked into the family room, "Yes pop?" He extended his hand, "this came for you today." Lexi smiled grabbing the envelope from him.

Surveying the returned address, it was clear that the envelope was from Hightown, Riverview's renowned record company. She quickly tore into it.

Ms. Parkes,
We regret to inform you that your disc has been declined at this time.

Sincerely,
Patricia Nail

The smile slid from Lexi's face as she shoved the letter back into the envelope. "It's alright baby girl," Logan said, wrapping his arms around his daughter. "There's always tomorrow."

But Lexi didn't want tomorrow, and she was tried of all the band drama.

4.7

Unlike Lexi's relationship Devin, there was no avoiding the everyday contact with Weston. Luckily for Lexi, she didn't feel the same kind of attachment for Weston as she felt for Devin. So the everyday contact didn't necessarily hurt her.

Lexi's parent's could feel their age settling in. Joseph, their only grandchild, was currently growing quickly, and Lexi had not graced them with any grandchildren. MaKenzie and Logan reminded Lexi of this everyday. Lexi was very career driven, and even with their constant nagging, refused to have any children what-so-ever.

Lexi instead, sent out her demo discs to many of the CEO's she knew. Although she loved the band very much, it was time for her to move on.

Lexi would check the mail every day waiting for something to come back. Some lead. Some hope. Everyday she came home to an empty mail box and her heart sank a little more.

4.6 Round two

Being a band manager was hard work. Lexi was constantly booking gigs and venues, reviewing contracts, and keeping the media and paparazzi at bay. What little free time she did have, Lexi spent in the recording booth, working on her own demo. Most of this was made possible by Weston Alto.

Although it was rumored he didn't need the money, after all coming from the Alto family had to guarantee some money, Weston was the drummer for the band. These rumors never affected his drumming.

Occasionally Lexi would have the band over for mandatory band meetings. These meetings usually took place when the band had to make decisions or formulate creative ideas. These meetings also usually ended up in a informal, impromptu music session, usually with Lexi playing along with her guitar.

The meetings usually ended with MaKenzie running everyone out of the house.



Between the mandatory band meetings and the private recording sessions, Weston and Lexi became close. One would think that Lexi learned her lesson the first time she tried the boss/employee relationship.

Weston would often stay later than the rest of the band. It wasn't long before Lexi found herself tucked in bed with him.

4.5 Open Doors

"What did I tell you Lexi?" Ti-Ning said over the phone. "That douchbag better feel lucky, since Jami is gone I'm stuck babysitting." The baby in questioning was Ti-Ning's little girl, Annabell. "Or else I'd go whoop his ass." Lexi laughed a little bit, just to diffuse Ty's nerves. "Hey I looks like Joseph's calling. It's not a big deal Ty, I promise."

But inside Lexi knew it was a big deal. She also knew that sweeping up the pieces of her heart should be the least of her worries because today she had to go to work. And going to work meant she had to face Devin again.

Lexi walked in the theater doors, "Congrats!" Khalid yelled before her foot had even entered the building. "What's up?" She said, trying to sound as confident and casual as possible. "You got promoted! Band Manager Lexi!" Lexi smiled as he handed her a packet of official paperwork, "better get started, the band won't wait forever."

4.4 The truth

Lexi's relationship with Devin had evolved into something serious. Tonight, like many other nights after work, the two took a short stroll next to the ocean.

"This has to stop," he said after a short, unusual silence. "We can head back to the car," Lexi said, motioning toward her new Kompensator, currently sitting on the hill above them. "No, you don't understand." Lexi looked into his eyes hurt, "What, what are you trying to say?" Inside Lexi was slowly piecing together the puzzle.

"Lexi, I'm married. I've been married for years."
Lexi shook her head, tears forming in her eyes. Oh the things she wanted to say to him! Thoughts formed in her mind. She knew better than to say them. He was still her boss and if she wanted anything to be semi normal, it would be best if she just kept her mouth closed. She knew that if she spoke, she'd lose control and all those thoughts and tears would come rushing out. She turned away from him, determined that he wouldn't see her cry.

4.3 Good News

Lexi walked towards the crystal clear ocean. The sun was shining brightly over head and a cool breeze fluttered through the air. Ti-Ning had called her up and invited her to a late picnic lunch. Today, she just happened to have Joseph with her. Now that he was in school, his parents needed someone to watch him until they got off work.

"Aunt Lex, can I go play?" Joseph asked as soon as they got to the ocean. Lexi nodded her head as she searched out Ti-Ning.

She found him, tucked away from everyone. "So what's up?" she said, as she approached him.
"I'm getting married," he said excitedly. Excitement welled up inside Lexi. "That's amazing!" She said hugging him.

Lexi was excited for her best friend. This was what he deserved. Even though she was suddenly filled with joy, she felt the weight of her ring on her finger.

4.2 In the Biz

Lexi couldn't love her job much more. As a stagehand, she had the opportunity to work with the biggest names on Music Row. She made many connections with big wigs in the system. One day, she was sure it would pay off.

What she really loved about her job was her boss, Devin. It was her biggest reason to go into work. She looked forward to going in just so she could be with him. It started out with small hints, little lingering glances. It evolved into happy hour at the local pub and late nights in her bed.

"Lex, you're playing with fire," Ti-Ning warned her. "Ty, it's no big deal," she would reassure him, "I have no desire to marry him."

Lexi laughed off their little fling, but little did she realize she was falling, falling hard for him.

4.1 Big Girl Job

Lexi played with Mr. Chrisman's business card in her hands. She'd had no luck finding a job so far and this was her last option.

Currently, Layla paid Lexi to babysit Joseph but Lexi knew she would have to get a real job sooner or later.

She dialed the number on the card and waited through the rings. "Bernard Chrisman." Lexi's voice was frozen. "Hello?" "Mr. Chrisman?" Lexi spoke quietly but confidently into the phone, "It's Lexi, from the park."
"Ah, the teen with the spunk. Let me guess, your calling to take me up on that offer."
"Yes sir."
"Well I've actually just filled it but," he lingers on the word, "I may have an opening. It will at least get you a foot in the door."

At this point, Lexi would take anything.

Hours later Mr. Chrisman returned her call. "Alexis?"
"Yes sir?"
"I can have you on as a stage hand. You start Tuesday."

Let down that she wouldn't be making any music any time soon, Lexi hung up the phone.

3.29 Birthday Wishes

It was time for Lexi's birthday. Although the night before had racked her nerves, she did not want it to spoil her birthday.

Lexi woke up to a text from Layla, baby Joseph had been born the night before. The couple had settled out in the country side, where they would have space to grow.

The family gathered around the dinning room table like they had so many times before. Lexi looked at her cake and smiled at her parents. Ding dong, the door bell sang into the almost empty house. "Wonder who that is?" Logan said walking into the hall. Moments later, Ti-Ning entered the dinning room. Lexi through her arms around him, "I'm so glad you came!" Ti-Ning just laughed and held her close.

"Before we get started, I wanted to give you something. " Ti-Ning whispered in her ear. "It's a ring. I intended it for other purposes, but it's clear our roads weren't meant to cross that path." Lexi looked at Ti-Ning, his words were always beautiful. "Just wear it as a reminder of the good times we've had." Lexi simply shook her head and wiped a tear from her eye.

"Where's dad?" Lexi said, looking around the corner.

"Little sis!" Mason yelled walking into the dinning room, Layla and baby Joseph in tow.

Lexi smiled brightly as she looked at her friends and family crowd around her. For this birthday, Lexi wished silently, I wish for things to stay this way. Closing her eyes, she blew out the candles.





((One day from aging to an elder, MaKenzie has maxed her career. Logan has already retired, level 3 in police. As of right now, everything for Gen 3 is met. I think Lexi is going to have a easier life than her poor mother. On to Gen 4)

3.28 Birthday Eve

Lexi's birthday was quickly approaching. She was scared. She wanted to stay with her parents but she was anxious to get away. She hadn't heard from Mason since his letter neither had she heard from Layla.

Ti-Ning had planned the perfect birthday eve party from Lexi. It started with dinner and a movie, moved to a late night stroll at the beach and ended with giving her a promise ring.

It wasn't just Lexi who was anxious about her birthday. Ti-Ning seemed to be anxious also. "I just don't want you to like, go to college and move away. You know?" Lexi looked across the car at her male friend. "I haven't really made up my mind. Plus it's not like we can't still get together and hang. You act like I'm falling off the face of the earth or something." Ti-Ning looked across the space at her, "It just don't want to loose you."

The rest of the ride to the theater was silent. Lexi wasn't thrilled. Ti-Ning was her best friend and soon they would go their separate ways. And deep down, Lexi hopped they'd stay in touch.

"So what movie?" Lexi said, admiring the movie posters outside the cinema. "It's your birthday," Ti-Ning reminded her as he approached her, "you pick."


Lexi turned to see him, "How about--" just as she turned around Ti-Ning wrapped his arms around her and pushed her against the iron fence. His lips were firmly on hers; his arms were pulling her tighter.

"What are you doing!" Lexi gasped, pushing him away. "Ti-Ning. No."

3.27 Reconnected

"Ti-Ning! Let's go!" Lexi yelled at her friend, who was currently chatting with a few females across the Art Yard. Lexi turned around laughing, that boy has no game. "Lexi!" a surprised female voice called her name. Lexi turned to see Layla standing, obviously pregnant. "Lay!!!" Lexi screamed in excitement. "I haven't seen you in ages! How are you!"
Lexi laughed before grabbing her stomach. "Well, other than pregnant, I'm good."
"Lexi! Come on! I'm ready," Ti-Ning called from his position across the street. Lexi looked at Layla and shrugged, "Well it was nice to see you again. Sorry I can't stay and talk." Lexi hugged her distant friend and ran across the street.


Days later, Lexi exited the school bus and stopped at the mail box. Reaching inside, she pulled out a stack of junk mail. She carried the mail inside, sorting through it as she walked. It wasn't all junk mail. She found a couple of bills inside, after sorting though it, she found one envelope addressed to her. She fingered the envelope carefully. There was not a return address but the postal stamp was local. Lexi opened the envelope and a photo fell out into her hands. It was Mason and Layla, wrapped in an embrace, at a wedding on the beach.

Lexi,

Sorry I acted as I did, but I want you to know that I am happy now. We wed shortly after we both came of age. Layla is expecting our first child. I'm still working with my internal demons. I found my mother. Funny thing is, it's Mrs. Avi. So that makes Khalid my brother. If you remember, Layla dumped Khalid for me. Talk about awkward! Of course I found all this out after we were married. Layla insists she'd marry me anyways.
I hope to see you soon.

Mason's scribbly signature donned the bottom of the page. Lexi held it close and smiled inside.

3.26 No more Secrets

The days following Mason's abrupt departure were hard on the whole family. Logan and MaKenzie both aged up into elders. Instead of it being a happy time in their lives, it was almost one of the worst.

Lexi was crushed as much as her parents. Mason was her closest friend. She began to spend many hours playing her guitar or hanging with her friend Ti-Ning.

Coming out to Lexi was easier. After Mason's blow up, Lexi knew it was coming. Logan and MaKenzie set down with Lexi in the formal living room and explained the situation to Lexi. Just as he had to Mason.

Lexi was receptive. Nothing could change the bond she had between her parents. Even if the two people she called 'mom' and 'dad' weren't really her mom and dad they still raised her. She would always love them for the life they did give her.

"Furthermore," Logan said, "We'd like for you to stay here with us and give us lots of babies," he finished, nudging her in her side playfully. "Just think about it okay. The staying with us part."

Lexi knew she'd play with the idea.

3.25 Bend the pieces

MaKenzie and Lexi jumped from the couch as Mason stormed into the house and up the stairs. "Mason!" MaKenzie shouted running into the foyer. Logan walked into the house, dragging his feet. "Don't," he said, putting his hand on MaKenzie's shoulder. MaKenzie looked between her husband and the top of the stairs where Mason disappeared.

"What happened," she whispered, turning into Logan. "I had to tell him. He wouldn't come back without it." MaKenzie turned away from him and walked into the kitchen.

MaKenzie sipped on her coffee, watching the clock hands tick. She couldn't sleep, even before drinking half a cup of coffee. The night's events had shook her world and all the walls she built in order to have a "normal" family came crashing down. MaKenzie longed for her father.

MaKenzie was taking a sip of her coffee when Logan entered the kitchen behind her, "You're still up?" "Mmhmm," MaKenzie mumbled in response. As MaKenzie set her cup on the counter, a soft thud was heard coming down the stairs. Mason appeared in the door way, glaring at his parents.

"MaKenzie, Logan," his words were unfamiliar to MaKenzie, this was her son, addressing her by her first name. "I'm leaving. You're not stopping me."
Logan was the first to interfere, "you are not going anywhere but up to your room." Logan's voice was calm but firm.
"Why do you care," Mason shouted, closing the space between him and Logan, "you aren't even my real father!"
MaKenzie felt helpless, shocked that her son could be so harsh.
"Get. Upstairs. To. Your. Room." Logan argued, his voice slightly higher in pitch, enunciating each word.
"I'm leaving! NOT THAT YOU CARE," Mason yelled, swooping to grab his bag from his feet and running towards the back door.

Logan was caught off guard. First his son was talking nonsense, second he was yelling at him, and lastly, he was running. Logan hesitated before realizing that Mason was running. Logan chased after him, but Mason had a decent head start.

Logan met the glass sliding door that led to the back deck. "Shit", he yelled, noticing that Mason had laid a wooden post in the door frame. Logan slammed his fist into the glass out of frustration.

MaKenzie stood, transfixed, in the kitchen. Logan returned to find MaKenzie in the same place he had left her. Their eyes met for a moment. Logan could feel the frustration building inside him. "ARG," Logan yelled as his hand smashed into the coffee cup, shattering the ceramic on the refrigerator, warm coffee dripping to the floor.

3.24 Last Chance

I hope he's here, Logan thought. Truth was he had checked all over town along with the police chief, Layla, and the Avi's and this was the last place. He remembered this place, he used to bring the kids here when they were, well just kids. It was along the ocean, hidden by a thicket of trees. Logan himself had spent time here growing up. Nights when we would get ran out of MaKenzie's house but he didn't want to go home yet.

Logan stepped into the clearing. The sun was setting below the tree's and it was getting dark quickly. "Dad, what are you doing here?" Logan turned around to see Mason squatting on a nearby rock. "Mason!" Logan shouted, pulling Mason into his arms. Relief splashed Logan, "We've been so worried about you. Let's get home, it's getting late."

Mason pulled away from his father and shook his head, "I'm not going home." Logan stepped back and looked at his son, "What?"
"I'm not coming home. I want answers," Mason spat.
Logan looked at his son in disbelief. The sun was almost completely below the tree line and the temperature was plunging. "Let's get home and I will tell you everything."
"No fathe-, Logan. Now."

Logan shoved his fingers through his hair, MaKenzie would be pissed that he made her wait but he knew that right now that he had to do damage control.

Sitting on the rock, watching the sky darken above them, Logan told Mason the whole story. The whole story from the concoction that damaged MaKenzie to the adoption of both children, to the plans to tell them both before they graduated.

3.23 Missing You

MaKenzie blew Mason's phone up as soon as she hadn't received his phone call. She called the Avi's, who confirmed that Mason had left almost an hour ago.

"Hon," Logan said, putting his arms around her, "we'll find him." MaKenzie looked into her husbands eyes with flashback of her father's last days vivid in her mind. "I'll take the car out, call his girlfriend," Logan called, grabbing his keys from the bowl by the door. "I've taken care of it," Lexi called, flipping her cell phone closed.

MaKenzie hugged her daughter, happy that for at least one night, she was home.

MaKenzie sat alone on the couch, her thoughts wrapped around her son. The living room was completely quiet, until Lexi's phone rang an obnoxious, top 40 pop song. "It's Layla, she hasn't heard from Mason either." Lexi moved to sit next to her mother and put her arm around her. "It's okay mom, we'll find him."

3.22 Rewriting History

Mason walked in to the Avi's house. "Hey Mrs. Avi," he called spotting her in the living room. She sobbed a hello as Khalid poked his head from his room. "Come on in man, mom has the TV."

Mason walked into his friend's room and plopped onto the bed. "What's up with your mom?"

Khalid shifted under his weight, "She gets like this every year. You'd think she'd got over it already. I apparently have an older brother. His birthday is coming up." Khalid shrugged, "we just avoid her."

Mason sat on Khalid's bed, and picked up the video game controllers as Khalid continued babbling, "Yeah she has this box and it has a foot imprints, a baby picture, and a lock of hair. Completely weird. It has to be a female thing."

Mason had almost tuned him out when Khalid yelled, "Dude you killed me!" Mason laughed, setting the controller aside. "Smells like dad's done with dinner. Let's go see"

The boys walked out of Khalid's room and made their way towards the kitchen. Both of Khalid's parents were standing over the oven, Mrs. Avi was looking considerably better. Walking past the kitchen island, a photo caught Mason's eyes.

As he approached the picture, he recognized the cubby little face staring back at him.

It was his.
And the picture currently sat on the living room wall.

Mason stopped and stared at the picture. He finally found his voice as he excused himself and walked out the door in shock.

It was almost like any other day, the sun was setting and it was about dinner time; however, today he wasn't calling home and he sure as hell wasn't going home.

3.21 New Opportunities

Lexi's parents knew little about what she did in her spare time. Lexi liked it that way. Truth was, Lexi walked a very fine line.

She would go to school just enough so her parents were not altered to her absences or grades. She quit her job, but she continued to leave and return at the same time each day.

Today wasn't any different. Today Lexi found herself at her favorite spot, the community park. In the distance she heard the bell ring, signaling that school had started. Lexi pulled out her guitar and started to play.

It was easy to get lost in the chords. Lexi looked up startled at the crowd that had formed around her. She smiled and continued playing to her new audience.

After her performance, a man in a business suit approached her. "Hello, my name's Bernard Chrisman. I'm CEO of Chrisman industry." Lexi looked at him cautiously. "I understand that you are probably a minor and that you are probably skipping school right now," he said, winking at Lexi, "but I would love to be your agent. I see a lot f potential in you." Lexi stood, stunned. Mr. Chrisman held out a card for her to take. "Think about it? Discuss it with your parents. Give me a call," He said, turning away from her.

Did that really just happen? Lexi thought as she watched him walk away.

3.20 Falling Apart

Lexi's perfect upbringing could not prepare her parents for the terrible teen years they now encountered. Her parents themselves were mild manner teens and Mason wasn't a challenge. However, the quiet and shy Lexi turned into a loud and charismatic teen over night.

MaKenzie kept comparing Lexi to Mason. Mason was easy to raise, he would come home after school each day, rarely going to friends houses. When he would visit friends houses, he was always home before dinner.

Lexi, on the other hand, would always stay out late, sometimes brought home by the cops. On the rare occasion Lexi did find her way home, she usually spent the whole time texting, or talking, on her phone.

Their parent's didn't know half of Lexi's behaviors, and they would be ashamed if they did. Mason had heard the rumors, from pretty reliable forces, like his best friend. Even though he tried not to believe the rumors, it was hard to look past the piling evidence. The late nights out, the after school visits, the left over marks.

Mason loved his sister and she was on a fast track to self destruction. Mason tried to intervene, he loved his sister but sometimes there was no reasoning with her. She was hard headed and stubborn.

Lexi was such a handful, that Mason felt "pushed to the back burner".




Since he was quickly approaching adulthood, his parents allowed him more freedom (or because Lexi was slowly wearing their nerves). Mason found himself spending his time at his friend Khalid's house.

Khalid was the only person that Mason really felt a connection with. He spent almost all of his waking hours at the Avi's house, only leaving to go to school and go eat dinner with his family. Unlike his sister, he would always call his mother after school and before he left the Avi's, as he was headed home.