#cora duchelli
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The night before Winterfest, we were cuddled up on the couch. We had spent all day decorating and preparing for my parents coming the next day. Freya had finally fallen asleep, the excitement keeping her up much too late. I had been trying to figure out for weeks how I should propose. I was getting desperate.
Dinner at a restaurant? I didn’t have the nerve. This all seemed too good to be true. What if she said no? Or felt pressured to say yes against her will? I couldn’t do a grand public proposal.
But then what? Just get down on one knee in the middle of the backyard? Set up an elaborate scene involving rose petals in the bedroom? Find a private area in a park? Nothing felt right. I wanted something honest. Something sincere.
I was still immersed in my thoughts when Cecilia sat up, and sighed happily in my arms.
“I can’t wait to see Freya’s face when she opens her presents tomorrow.”
Without thinking, I took her hands in mine, facing her.
“Marry me.”
“… what?”
There was no going back now. I took a deep breath and got down on one knee.
“Cecilia, I meant to do something more elaborate. But I can’t wait any longer. Will you marry me?”
I heard her gasp as I fumbled in my pocket for the ring.
“Yes! Eric… yes! Of course!”
I carefully put the ring on her finger.
When she kissed me, we both had tears in our eyes.
“You know what my parents are going to ask when we tell them tomorrow, right?”
She laughed.
“Then I guess we better agree on the answer, darling. Do you want to try for a baby now or wait until we’re married?”
“I was actually referring to picking a wedding date, but I love the way you think.”
My parents were thrilled for us when they arrived the next day. They immediately pulled Cecilia into a big hug.
“What a lovely surprise, Cecilia! We totally never saw it coming!”, my mother said, winking at me.
I cheerfully flipped her off. She just laughed.
“Dad – tell me the truth. Was this what you hoped for when you told Cecilia that she should visit me back in the spring?”
He sent me a conspiratorial smile.
“I just wanted you to be happy, son.”
I hugged him tight, his lean frame feeling almost fragile against my chest. When had he become smaller than me?
“I love you, dad.”
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We will now leave Cora and Zane behind to focus on Eric's journey as he leaves home for Foxbury and immediately gets himself into all sorts of trouble.
If you've read this far, thank you. This started as me documenting a legacy challenge, and I slowly started nudging my characters into specific situations, and deliberately shooting scenes to make everything come together. I hope you've enjoyed my attempt to weave together these people's shenanigans into something resembling a story.
This is where all of that changes, though.
We have now reached the point where Free Will gets turned off for good and I take full control of the narrative. From now on, the story will be told in first person, and we are leaving the fourth wall intact.
Be warned that we'll be dealing with some mature themes along the way, such as addiction, mental health, flawed coping mechanisms, and rather questionable life choices in general. I use community tags for spice, but if you need a specific warning/tag, please let me know.
Thank you so much for reading, and as always, feel free to comment or send me a message, nothing makes me happier ❤️
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Chapter 29
Just Like Fire
The year I turned 42 was also the year we lost my mother. My father soon followed her, just as he always had in life.
They had been inseparable through everything – demanding careers, the loss of my brother, all of my problems – for almost 45 years. And now, not even death could keep them apart for long.
I was shattered. I wouldn’t have gotten through it without Cecilia. I could only hope to get 45 years by her side as well.
I tried to keep it together for the girls who were also grieving.
Freya took it the hardest, of course.
She had known them for much longer than Grace, and had always been close with her grandparents. And she was already dealing with a lot.
At least something good came out of it. Samuel came over to comfort her, although things were a little awkward between them at first.
But their life-long friendship won in the end, and it actually seemed like they finally made up.
I don’t know if they ever discussed that fateful evening a few years ago, when he revealed his true feelings, but I was glad that she at least had the comfort of a friend.
Samuel always had a gift for cheering Freya up. It didn’t take long before he dramatically pretended to lose his balance, pushed her over and fell to the floor, flailing wildly, as they both laughed.
He would always do whatever it took to see her smile again.
I was happy that she had Samuel in her life. He was a good kid.
Very different from his older brother, Charlie. Whenever I felt challenged by my girls, I reminded myself that it could be much worse.
Charlie had been getting into all sorts of trouble for years, but it all came to a head a few months ago. He had been arrested at a rave while playing a gig with his band, and they found drugs on him.
Colten and Kailani had done their best, bailing him out and begging him to change before it was too late. But it was no use, Charlie had walked out in anger and they hadn’t heard from him since.
He hadn’t always been like that. Although he’d never exactly been the teacher’s pet, Charlie had still been a good big brother to Samuel, and he had often included Freya as well. Charlie and one of his band mates had even accompanied her to get her first tattoo when she turned 18, for moral support.
I was secretly relieved that Charlie wasn’t around anymore. I knew Freya had always found his odd-coloured eyes and rebellious attitude fascinating and I didn’t want her to get involved in whatever he was doing.
So compared to Colten and Kailani, I had it easy as a parent. But even though Freya was ridiculously talented, she still struggled with her self-worth. Confidence, she had. She knew exactly what she was capable of. But she was insecure when it came to other things, as if she couldn’t quite believe that people really liked her. She was popular among her team mates, but her only true friend seemed to be Samuel.
No matter what I did, Freya felt like the odd one out in the family. I tried to treat the girls the same, obviously allowing for the fact that Grace was only 9 and Freya had just turned 19, but it often felt like I couldn’t quite reach her.
She was, of course, under a lot of pressure. She had applied for several sports-related scholarships, and was constantly either training or studying.
Other parents with teenage girls mostly worried about stuff like drinking or going out with boys. Freya was extremely anti-alcohol – which was understandable, considering my past and the effect it had on her childhood. She also had some rather severe opinions on dating, it seemed.
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Insurrection - Part 2
While my parents were obviously very upset at the time, my brother was excited and wanted to go. The strangers, his uncle and grandmother, would take him with them when they returned to Sixam. Until then, my mother would teach them about her new technology.
The next few days, before they left, the rest of us tried to spend as much time with my brother as possible.
I admit that I was angry with him at first. I felt that he was abandoning me. Who was now going to help me with homework and make me laugh when I had a rough day at school?
Luckily, we managed to make up before he left. And I could see why he wanted to go – it was both an obligation and an adventure to him.
My father also had a heart-to-heart with my brother, the last night before he left for Sixam. It was a warm night and I could hear them outside my open window.
I know my father and brother both consider themselves true father and son, despite my brother’s origins. I hope spending time with his biological father on Sixam hasn’t changed that.
When the Sixams left, my dear brother left with them. I knew that it could take years before he would be able to travel back and visit us, especially if the wormhole technology never worked.
Trying to overcome the sadness of my brother leaving, my mother threw herself into her work. Sometimes I would barely see her for days, because she would stay late at the lab every day.
We now know that it was worth it, that she finally managed to secure a communication link, so we can get updates from my brother every few months, but she still hasn’t succeeded in establishing travel, and my brother is too busy to leave Sixam for a year or two just to visit.
My father tried to compensate for my mother’s constant working by spending more time with me.
But my father’s job was also very demanding, and I often spent my afternoons alone.
Most days, I only had Maggie for company.
But she was more than enough.
It’s not that I didn’t have friends, I had good friends at school, but I couldn’t exactly schedule playdates every single day.
One day, when I was alone at the playground, I saw a stray cat. She was limping and very dirty, and would not let me get near her, but I wanted to help her.
I spent the entire day trying to befriend her, and she finally let me pick her up so we could take her to the vet.
The cat had no chip or ear tattoo, and when no one came forward to claim her, my parents decided that I could keep her. I named her Winky.
Seeing how the veterinarian expertly diagnosed her problems and treated her while being kind and respectful made me realise that this is what I want to do with my life as well.
My parents tell me that I would play vet constantly, and bring home any animal I found. I was allowed to keep smaller birds and a couple of mice while nursing them back to health, but my parents helped me take any stray cats and dogs to the shelter, or I would have had an entire zoo.
A few years later, one of our neighbours had to move into a retirement home, and had to find a new home for her old dog, Milo. I had often been walking him for her, and she wanted me to have him. This time, my parents did not object.
Animals are what keeps me going, my reason to be courageous, kind, and disciplined. These are the qualities I will bring to Foxbury.
Thank youoooo99999ggggrrrrr;;;;;;;;33333333333
“Winky, seriously? Thanks for helping, but this is a very important letter.”
Thank you for your time and consideration. I hope this essay gives you a better idea of the passion I bring to everything I do, and that I will bring to the field of veterinary medicine.
I look forward to speaking with you again in the future – hopefully as a student at your esteemed institution.
Sincerely,
Eric Fyres-Munch Duchelli
Asphalt Abode
Newcrest
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Chapter 19
Insurrection - Part 1
Re: Application letter to Foxbury – Biology with elective in Veterinary Science
Dear Dr. Gilscarbo, PhD.
It is with great pleasure that I submit my application for the distinguished degree in Biology at Foxbury University.
At present, I am finishing my studies at Newcrest High, and I have already secured several scholarships. My dream is to become a veterinarian and open my very own vet clinic. I feel that this would be the best way to combine my love for animals and my need to do good.
As you may be aware, my mother and father also both attended Foxbury in their youth. My mother went on to become a great astrophysicist, responsible for recently reestablishing direct contact with our neighbours on Sixam.
My father became a renowned lawyer. It is my firm belief that attending Foxbury will also put me on the path to greatness.
For this essay, I have chosen to illustrate how animals have made a great difference in my life. I do not believe that I would be who I am today without my beloved childhood dog, Maggie, and the other pets in my life.
To understand what Maggie meant to me, let me first take you back to my early childhood. When my grandfather died, my entire family was understandably distraught, and my parents decided to adopt a young pitbull from a shelter. The dog immediately sensed that I, a toddler at the time, needed her protection, and she was always by my side.
Maggie and I grew up together, and she became my trusty companion, sleeping next to my bed every night, and waiting for me when I came home from school.
She was also by my side on the night that changed both my life and Sixam relations forever.
I had gone to bed while my older brother was out with some friends, but I wasn’t asleep yet when I heard him come home. I also heard unfamiliar voices and my mother’s excited screams of disbelief.
I climbed out of bed, and went out in the hall, where I saw my parents and my brother – with two people I didn’t yet know.
Of course, my mother had told me about her adventures on Sixam, but this was their first visit back in over a decade.
After a brief introduction, my father tried to put me back to bed, but I couldn’t sleep.
I was scared because I knew that these people, who looked like my brother, could only have come to take him away.
My father tried to explain everything to me. He and my mother had been anticipating this for years.
He told me that Daniel’s biological father on Sixam was very ill and never had any other children.
It was important for my brother to go to Sixam and learn whatever he could while his father still lived, so he could take over his seat on the council.
As the first hybrid in a position of power at Sixam, my parents were worried for his safety, but his uncle, Tomnu, promised to keep him safe.
My mother, who had recently made the first breakthroughs in wormhole technology, suggested that she could go with them, to set up matching technology on Sixam, so direct communication, and perhaps later even travel, might become possible.
My father immediately asked to talk to her in private. He would not allow her to leave, and this was the first time I ever heard my parents have a serious fight.
I heard their loud voices through the wall, my father arguing that my mother couldn’t leave us, that he couldn’t lose her, and my mother crying, afraid to let her oldest son go alone. Again, Maggie comforted me.
I am happy that my mother decided to stay, and instead teach the Sixams as much as possible, so that they could set up the other portal on Sixam. If she had left, she might not have come back. My brother still has not.
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“… it was really funny when Eric asked my father why he was always so grumpy, though.”
“Yeah, poor Wolfgang did not like that. Eric’s getting sassy. Before we know it, he starts school and then we blink and he’s getting married.”
“Cora, you’re doing it again. He’s only three years old. Relax.”
“Sorry, honey. I don’t know why I’m so worried. It just feels like the last few years flew by so quickly.”
“Cora! Are you saying I’m boring and forgettable?”
“No, you’re a huge dork.”
“Well, you’re a huge nerd!”
“Oh yeah? Would a nerd do this?”
“Mmmmguess not.”
“Stop worrying so much, Cora. We have all the time in the world.”
“I hope you’re right, honey.”
“Everything will be fine, my love.”
“So then I told her what the teacher said, and then -“
“Boys, there are three bathrooms in this house. Do you really have to wait for this one?”
“But, dad, the others are all the way upstairs!”
“The horror. Hurry up, or you’ll be late for school.”
“Yes, dad. Anyways, then she said…”
Daniel has grown into a charismatic young man, who has somehow managed to make being smart a cool thing in his school.
At first glance, Eric is growing up to look very similar to his father, but on closer inspection he does have mainly Cora’s features. The nose, however, is clearly Zane’s.
Daniel, always the popular guy, often hangs out with his friends after school, and tonight is no different.
The close-knit group of friends from school consists of three guys and three girls and they often go out for coffee and hot chocolate.
The beefcake is Colten, a self-assured guy with a tendency to brag. He and Daniel are best friends and work out together. Behind him is the equally blonde Lydia, who just so happens to be the daughter of Cora’s colleague Elsa. Lydia refuses to talk about her mother after she left to live with Payton, though.
There’s also Deon, the closeted environmentalist, and Maliyah, who spends most of her time sending Deon longing looks while pretending she’s not interested at all.
Finally, there’s Kailani. She’s very cool and confident, and would be the obvious leader of the group if it wasn’t for Daniel’s magnetic personality.
Daniel and Kailani always joke around in a somewhat flirty way, but both insist there’s nothing between them.
Especially when Lydia is around, because she has a huge crush on Daniel, which is very much a secret, and so of course everyone knows.
The evening is winding down, and the teenagers are debating whether to go home or stay a little longer.
Suddenly, Daniel gets up and stares across the café, looking confused.
“Hey, Danny? What’s up, you look like you’ve seen a ghost?”
“Danny? Are you OK?”
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Chapter 22
A Million Dreams
The university found out, of course. They gave me my diploma, but I wasn’t allowed to attend the graduation ceremony, and I was told to move off campus immediately. I had nowhere to go but home.
My father, always the responsible one, was angry and disappointed.
No surprise there.
My mother seemed more worried about the age difference. She said that we were at very different stages in life. Katherine being 38 had never bothered me before, but maybe my mother was right. I was only 23, so it was a pretty big gap.
“We’ve given you everything, Eric. Always. Everything you wanted – and you almost threw away your entire future because you were thinking with the wrong head! I thought we raised you better than this.”
“I know, dad. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for this to happen. And we… I thought we were being careful.”
I hid my face in my hands.
“Just… not careful enough, I guess.”
My father, of course, was thinking like a lawyer. He insisted that I should also get a paternity test.
That hit me hard. I hadn’t even considered the fact that I might not be the father either.
“Seriously, Eric, for all you know, the father could be any student on campus.”
“That’s out of line, dad! Yes, we were stupid, but Katherine is not… she’s not like that.”
My father looked at me, stone-faced.
“How certain are you, son?”
I understood what he meant. The amount of cheating and lying he’d seen as a divorce lawyer for over three decades was staggering.
“I… I guess I can’t be sure.”
Finally, my mother spoke up.
“Zane, honey, you’re being too hard on him. And her. We all make mistakes, remember? And this family wouldn’t even exist if my life – or yours – had turned out the way we originally planned.”
My father briefly glanced at the pictures behind us. I remembered hearing he’d once been engaged to someone else.
“No amount of arguing can change what happened. What we need to do is find out how we can best help our son.”
She put her hand on mine.
“And our possible grandchild.”
I let out a sob, and my mother pulled me to her, hugging me tightly.
As my mother held me, I wished I could go back to being the carefree teenager who had his life all figured out.
Was it really only a few years ago?
My room had been left untouched while I was away. It was almost like travelling back in time – almost. I could hear my parents’ voices downstairs. It reminded me of the night the Sixams came for my brother.
I wondered what Daniel would be doing now if he hadn’t gone with them. We never heard from him anymore.
My perfect brother definitely wouldn’t be going around knocking up married women, that’s for sure. But I had plenty of problems without worrying about him. How could I be so stupid? I had no idea what to do.
I used to have my entire future planned out. I had a million dreams. Some people have a 5 year plan, I had a 25 year plan. Now I felt lost and uncertain.
My father came in and sat on my bed. I quickly wiped away my tears.
He apologised for being so hard on me. He told me that he had discussed things with my mother, and they had decided to do their best to make some of my dreams come true despite everything.
Daniel was unlikely to ever return, so I was their only heir. My parents were going to cash in some of their assets and help me and Katherine get set up. He called it an early inheritance.
The numbers he mentioned were intimidating. I always knew we were pretty well off, but I had no idea how much money my parents had accumulated in investments and savings over the years.
I accepted. It wasn't like I had any other options.
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Being a dad gave me a new appreciation for things. I loved the raw beauty of Brindleton Bay, which was much more interesting than the suburbs of Newcrest where I grew up, but it excited me even more to see it through Freya’s eyes.
The night before Winterfest, I took her out for a little walk, bundled up in warm clothes. We looked at the snow falling quietly in the dark. It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.
This was the first winter Freya had been old enough to really appreciate snow, and her excitement was infectious. I felt like I had been taking snow for granted until now.
She giggled and tried to catch the falling snowflakes with her little hands, and I hugged her tight.
I didn’t know it was possible to love someone this much.
Winterfest morning was beautiful. Everything was covered in fresh snow and Brindleton Bay looked like a postcard.
My parents had come all the way from Newcrest to spend Winterfest with us, and I was excited to see them. It had been a few months since their last visit and they weren’t getting any younger. I wanted Freya to spend as much time with her grandparents as possible.
Katherine and I played our roles perfectly. I didn’t want my parents to worry, so I never discussed our relationship with them, but I think they suspected that things weren’t great. They were always very kind towards Katherine, but never seemed especially fond of her.
They adored Freya, though. My father didn’t even take off his coat before tossing her into the air to make her laugh.
My mother wanted a family portrait. Katherine immediately volunteered to take one.
Months later, when it was all too late, I would think back to this day and wonder if she had kept herself out of the picture on purpose.
But during Winterfest, I thought nothing of it. I was busy spending time with my family.
Dinner went well. I updated my parents on the clinic, but Katherine and I mostly told them about Freya. How many words she knew by now, all the funny things she had said and done since their last visit.
Katherine and I both had a lot of practice putting on a performance to make things seem normal by now, but I wondered if my parents sensed that we were trying a little too hard.
It made me happy and a little bit envious to see the obvious love between my parents, even after over 25 years of marriage. I hoped they would set a better example for Freya than Katherine and I did.
My father was entertaining us with some of the most outrageous divorce lawsuits he’d seen in his career.
Katherine and I weren’t married, and I had often wondered if it would be better if we simply broke up, stopped pretending. But I knew exactly what would happen.
She would take Freya with her, and I would at best get to see my daughter half the time – if I was extremely lucky. I couldn’t risk that.
I had considered asking my father what rights I would have, but I knew there was no good solution except staying with Katherine. Even if I could somehow keep Freya to myself, she would just lose her mother instead. I couldn’t do that to either of them.
Once more, I pushed away any thoughts of leaving Katherine. I had to keep going. For my daughter.
For Freya.
A few weeks after Winterfest, I woke up in the middle of the night. At first I wasn’t sure what woke me up, but then I heard Katherine in the bathroom.
It sounded like she was crying, trying to be quiet. I put my arm on her pillow. Still warm, she couldn’t have been gone for long.
Then I noticed that she’d left her phone behind. The screen was still on, and my curiosity got the better of me.
She had been chatting to Kailani. I only had time to read Katherine’s last message as I heard her blowing her nose in the bathroom. It simply said:
“Thank you both, but I can’t do this anymore. I’m leaving him.“
Shit.
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Chapter 17
All Good Things…
Luckily for Cora and Zane, the very first IVF treatment is a success.
Zane is thrilled with the news, scoops Cora into his arms and swings her around the kitchen when he comes home from work, almost knocking over the fruit bowl.
“This is it, honey. There’s no backing out – or changing your mind again.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it, Cora. But I have been thinking about something…”
He gently puts her down.
“So, since you got to name Daniel on your own, it’s my turn this time, right? So I say Sue if it’s a girl and Lou Paul if it’s a boy.”
“Wait, like loophole? I love you honey, but I will literally kill you if you name our child a lawyer pun.”
“Understandable. We’ll workshop it some more. What about Misty Meanor?”
“Guess what, Daniel! You’re going to be a big brother! And you have no idea what that means, do you?”
“Bowwah!”
“Yeah, I thought so.”
“Good morning, my lean, mean, baby-making machine.”
“First of all, good morning. Second of all, ew.”
“Yeah, that didn’t sound right. Sorry, honey.”
“Just kiss me and get to work, you big dork.”
Meanwhile, Daniel is oblivious to the fact that in 6 months he’ll have to share his family (and his room) with someone else.
“Goodbye son, take care of your mom while I’m at work.”
“Zane…”
“Shhhh, honey, I can’t hear if he responds.”
“Zane!”
“Zane, have I ever told you that you’re a huge dork?”
“Often, my love. See you tonight.”
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Chapter 13
A Matter of Perspective
“When I first opened my eyes, I was blinded by a bright light above my head. I had no idea where I was. I immediately panicked.”
“Someone touched my arm, spoke to me in a calming voice. I was shocked when I could see clearly again. The owner of the voice had blue skin. My first thought was that I had finally found the aliens, but I guess technically they had found me.”
“The owner of the voice told me that his name was Andeux. He explained that they had picked me up a few days ago. He apologised for shaving my head, said they had needed to disinfect me and couldn’t risk me bringing any parasites on board.”
“While I recovered from the shock, he went over my vitals, and explained where I was. This was his mother’s ship, The Galaxa.”
“His mother, Andaela, is a high ranking officer on their planet, Sixam. They had been notified of my attempts to reach them, and had been keeping an eye on me in case I managed it. They had orders to ‘eliminate the threat’ if I ever managed to send a signal outside our own galaxy.”
“I was free to explore the ship. Andeux told me that his mother was disobeying a direct order from The Council by bringing me with them – alive. She felt certain that she could convince the Elders to reconnect with humans, if only she could prove that we had valuable knowledge to share.”
“I will admit, I was distraught for weeks. Flying to Sixam takes 7 months. Even if Commander Andaela was successful and I was allowed to not only live, but go home, I would have been gone for so long. I thought of Aidan, my family. Would I ever see them again? Andaela gave me this notebook so I could keep a diary, to help me process everything.”
“I slowly got to know the rest of the crew. Besides Andaela and her son Andeux, there’s also Tomnu, the ship’s giant cuddly teddy bear. He’s the strongest one, exercises constantly – when he isn’t eating. He’s very nice, always cracking jokes and trying to keep everyone happy.”
“And finally there’s Tacah, Tomnu’s sister. She is beautiful, I was almost speechless when I first saw her. She’s also smart and witty. Well, everyone here is a genius, they’re a space crew after all. I must admit, it feels good to be surrounded by fellow scientists.”
“Andaela spends most of her time putting together convincing arguments for my case. I’ve spent entire days telling her about my research and my job at home. She told me that she visited Earth when she was very young, she doesn’t remember much. But she doesn’t agree with The Council.”
“I also try to make myself useful. I have nothing to do on this ship, so to avoid dying of boredom I’m familiarising myself with the ship’s technology, and I’ve even managed to figure out a few upgrades for the sleeping pods. Andaela was thrilled and added it to the list of arguments for my case.
“Even though I try to make the best of it, though, I often get overwhelmed by fear, sadness and homesickness. Sometimes I just look out the windows for hours and wonder if one of the dots is my own sun. I hope to see my family again some day.”
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Chapter 16
Second Chances
Cora and Zane waste no time in getting married. The wedding is planned in a matter of weeks.
It seems to Don that it isn’t that long ago he stood in this church with Alex. It’s hard to believe that both his little girls are married now.
“Don’t you dare grow up too quickly”, he whispers and hugs Daniel tight.
Brie is also emotional. Both of her parents are now gone, with Johnny dying only a few months ago. At least Alex got to see Cora return, even if she won’t see her married.
In the back of the church, on Zane’s side of the isle, Layla and Aidan are showing their support. Layla is expecting their second child and is happily chatting to their old university friend Conor, who was on Cora’s football team. Conor is seated next to Zane’s sister Isabelle.
Zane’s father, Wolfgang, is struggling with some mixed emotions. He wants his son to be happy, but marrying into Don’s family wouldn’t have been his first choice for Zane.
As the ceremony finishes, Daniel squirms out of his seat and runs to his parents.
Zane and Cora scoop him into a hug.
Even grumpy Wolfgang can’t help but smile at the happiness radiating from the trio.
Outside the church, Morgan finds Don.
“Don, have you ever met my daughter, Isabelle?”
“Isabelle. You are certainly the spitting image of your mother. Just as beautiful”, Don replies, and gallantly kisses her hand.
“Mom, you didn’t tell me Don was such a gentleman.”
“There are many things I have’t told you, dear.”
“Mom, Isa, I see you have managed to corner my new father-in-law but I need you all to join us for a few speeches.”
During the speeches and toasts, Isabelle gets tipsy and starts trying to grill Don about his personal life. Morgan barely manages to steer the conversation away from her and Don’s past.
As Wolfgang passes the table where Don is talking to his wife and daughter, he shoots Don an angry glare.
Zane also joins the table. Wolfgang is so focused on Don that he even ignores Payton’s attempts at congratulating him on his son’s wedding. After a while, Don retreats to a quiet corner to get away from the awkward situation.
It doesn’t take long before Isabelle finds him.
“Heeeey Don… mom didn’t tell me how handsome you were, you know…”
“Isabelle, please. I think you’ve had enough champagne.”
“No no, I’m fine. C’mon, gimme a kiss…”
“DON!”
A furious Wolfgang storms up to them as Isabelle quickly climbs off Don’s lap.
“I knew it! Keep your hands off her, you sleazy bastard!”
“Wolfgang, I haven’t done anything to Isabelle, and I’m not going to…”
“Do you think I’m blind? I know your tricks! I know what kind of man you are!”
“And what kind of man am I, Wolfgang?”
“Dad – no!”
The punch barely fazes Don. Wolfgang himself actually seems surprised at what he just did.
“Don… I didn’t mean… I just…”
Luckily for Wolfgang, Don, former world champion bodybuilder, simply walks away.
Zane pulls his father aside.
“Dad… how could you? I asked you not to make a scene.”
“Son, you don’t understand. That man has no morals. I know him. Something happened years ago… your mother…”
“Dad, if I recall correctly, you had walked out on us. According to mom, Don was the one encouraging her to give you another chance when you came back.”
“She was still my wife! I… he… he had no right…”
“Dad, you need to get it together. I know you don’t like Don, but he’s my father-in-law and you can’t just go around punching people in the face.”
“Take mom and Isa home. And find a way to deal with your issues that doesn’t involve hitting anyone.”
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At the lab, the rocket project has been abandoned. There are certain physical limits to the speed of a rocket, and Cora is investigating other options.
“Hey, honey, it’s me. Yeah, I need to stay late. Yes, again. I know, I’m sorry… I promise it’ll be the last time this week. Love you too. Kiss the boys goodnight for me.”
Several of Cora’s colleagues have joined her new project. They all want to help, not just because they care about Cora, but because it’ll be a huge technological breakthrough if they succeed.
Cora is working like a maniac, staying late at least every other day. Her colleagues are getting a little worried about her.
“Payton and I are leaving now, Cora. You’re the last one left.”
“Thanks, Elsa. Have a good night.”
“You too. Remember to go home, Cora.”
“I will.”
“Just… not yet. I need to finish this.”
At home, poor Zane falls asleep on the couch while waiting for Cora to come home. Caring for both of their sons and a dog while trying to become partner at the law firm is exhausting. And he needs the sleep, because tomorrow is a big day.
Grandma Morgan and grandpa Wolfgang are the first to arrive for Eric’s birthday, followed shortly by aunt Isabelle and her husband Conor.
Isabelle is pregnant with their second child. Their first son, Caiphus, was born less than a year after Cora and Zane’s wedding. Luckily, Conor’s parents has agreed to babysit him for the day.
“Anyway, Caiphus got such a unique name that I’m not sure we can do it again. Conor likes the name Jordon, but I’m not sure it’s really special enough for my taste.”
Morgan is extremely proud of her son and his little family. But then again, Zane was always the more responsible of her children.
Isabelle is happy for her brother, if slightly jealous of his obvious happiness. Her marriage with Conor is fine, but she might have preferred someone a bit more… exciting, if he hadn’t gotten her pregnant shortly after Cora and Zane’s wedding.
Wolfgang, of course, is mostly preoccupied with complaining about the dog.
Brie and Shawn has also left their kids, Jaxen and Alyson, at home. They claim it’s just for the convenience, but Zane suspects that they’re a bit worried about the dog.
“Happy birthday, Eric! Can you blow out the candles? Okay, let mommy help.”
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#duchellilegacy#duchellichapters#duchelligen2#cora duchelli#zane fyres-munch#daniel duchelli#morgan fyres#wolfgang munch#eric duchelli#i swear the game came up with the name caiphus i had nothing to do with that
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Chapter 18
First Contact
The death of Don was a hard blow for the family. The house feels empty and quiet without his broad shoulders and booming laugh.
Daniel in particular is struggling. Grandpa Don was his best friend.
Daniel was allowed to choose whether to stay in his old bedroom or move into Don’s room, and he chose Don’s. Zane often finds his oldest son crying under the covers when he comes to tuck him in at night.
Zane is also grieving, he was very close to his father-in-law, and his heart hurts for his family.
Eric is too young to fully understand, so he just cries and asks for his grandpa.
One night, after tucking in the boys, Zane finds Cora crying quietly in the living room.
“You okay, honey?”
Cora wipes her tears away.
“Yeah, it’s just… Everything.”
“I miss him too, Cora.”
“It’s not just dad. It’s… I feel old. And like I’m running out of time. I need to find a way to get to Sixam, and we’re not getting any younger. By the time Eric goes to university, we’ll be close to retirement.”
“Honey, we’re not that ancient. And you’re making progress at work, right? I don’t understand half of it, but even I have heard of wormholes. And if you can’t solve it, no one can.”
“Sorry, honey, I know I’m being too pessimistic. It’s just hard dealing with my own feelings and trying to cheer up the kids… I don’t know, maybe we should get that dog they keep begging for.”
“Another brilliant idea from my brilliant wife. We’ll go check out the local animal shelters tomorrow. Now come to bed.”
“DAD, IS THAT A DOG? Is that the surprise? Can we keep it?”
“That’s the plan, buddy! This is Maggie, she’s going to live with us now!”
“Doggie?”
“Yes, Eric. She’s our dog now.”
“Doggie!”
“And she’s a good doggie, Eric! Look, she can shake! The rest we will have to teach her.”
“Can I help teach her, dad? This is the best day ever!”
Maggie quickly becomes a beloved part of the family and Eric in particular is very attached to her.
Maggie seems to understand that he’s just a toddler and she is very gentle and patient with him. He is allowed to do anything to her, and she usually stays close and protects him.
She is also happy to watch a movie with Daniel, especially because he allows her to get on the couch.
Zane starts running again, something that he had stopped doing without Don, and takes Maggie out every morning – even when it rains.
Cora prefers evening runs. Maggie is just happy to be included.
Everyone is happier than they have been for a long time, and the wounds left behind by Don’s death are slowly healing.
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#duchellilegacy#duchellichapters#duchelligen2#cora duchelli#zane fyres-munch#daniel duchelli#eric duchelli
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Years passed, and by the time Freya was in school, I found myself picking her up from basket or football practice several times a week just to spend a few hours with her.
She could never sit still. Impulsive and energetic, she was always climbing or running or getting into trouble.
Katherine still refused to let Freya stay the night with me. She was afraid that I’d get drunk and not wake up in an emergency. But when my parents wanted to take Freya and me on a weekend trip to Mt. Komorebi to celebrate my 30th birthday, Katherine allowed it.
My parents had rented a cabin for the four of us, right next to the ski lift.
Freya was thrilled. To no one’s surprise, she insisted on snowboarding instead of skiing. And she was a natural.
I wondered how I’d managed to have a daughter that was good at everything she did. She certainly didn’t get that from me, it had to be from Katherine.
It was nice with a change of scenery, and I loved being able to spend more than just a few hours with my daughter.
After dinner, Freya talked my mother into teaching her some new card games, so my father and I decided to try out the hot springs.
We chatted for a bit, but then he turned serious.
“Son… you have a way with the ladies, much like your grandpa Don. Unlike him, though, you don’t seem to be able to hold on to any of them.”
“I really don’t want to have this conversation, dad. I’m fine. I’m not trying to hold on to any of them, anyway.”
“How many nurses have you been through in the last five years? Ten?”
I felt my cheeks burning. “… Eleven.”
My father sighed. “I just want you to be happy, son.”
“Tell me then, how can I be happy, dad? Katherine took my daughter away from me. All I do now is work and wait for my next chance to see Freya.”
“I have neither the time nor the energy to date seriously. Sometimes I wonder why I even bother being alive.”
Shit. I shouldn’t have said that. I could see the worry in his face.
“Eric…”
“I didn’t mean that, dad. It just feels hopeless sometimes, you know? I’m going to go out for a drink before bed.”
“Eric, you can’t leave like this.”
“Don’t worry, dad. It’ll just be one drink, I promise.”
“I’m not going to… do anything stupid.”
“Eric, please…”
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#duchellilegacy#duchellichapters#duchelligen3#eric duchelli#freya duchelli#cora duchelli#zane fyres-munch#dont panic
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Chapter 14
Remember Me
Cora lies in bed, too distraught to hear the door open behind her.
Andaela walks in.
“Cora. We need to talk.”
“Cora, listen to me. Tomnu is readying a small ship for you. He will take you home, tonight.”
“Home? But why? I thought… the Council of Elders… There’s something I need to tell Andeux…”
“Relax, Cora. I know about the child. The Council won’t budge. But they would never kill you now, you are carrying a child of Sixam. Andeux’s father is on the Council. He will not listen to me about resuming relations with Earth, but he will also not kill his own grandchild.”
“Does Andeux also know about the baby?”
“Not yet. I will tell my son later. But he will take his father’s seat on the Council in a few years. Tacah was promised to him when they were younger so he would have ‘pure’ children. Andeux will undo some of his father’s hateful policies, but he can only do so much.”
“You need to go home and raise this child. For Sixam’s sake. And when the child is of age, you must send it back to us, somehow. As his first-born, your child will take over Andeux’s Council seat one day. Having a hybrid on the Council will change Sixam’s politics forever.”
“But until then, you and the child will be safer on Earth. That will keep you both hidden until the time is right.”
“Andaela, I don’t know what to do… I’m scared.”
“Just promise that you will get my grandchild back to us some day.”
“I will, Andaela. And thank you.”
“Now go, Tomnu is waiting.”
“Tomnu, are you sure you want to go? You’ll be gone for over a year, and the entire way back you’ll be alone on the ship.”
“Of course, Cora. We want you to get home. And your child is very important to us all. Besides, if I’m not here, I won’t have to worry about keeping things secret from Tacah until you’re safely back on Earth. By the time I return, they will know.”
The confines of a tiny ship combined with pregnancy hormones make for some tough months.
Luckily, Tomnu is patient and good-natured, and always manages to deflect Cora’s bad moods.
They spend time talking about each other’s lives, and Tomnu teaches Cora a lot about Sixam culture. He also tells her about his friends on Sixam, his family, even a girl he secretly likes.
Sometimes, Cora despairs about going home. She hasn’t seen her family and friends for so long. How will they react to her? To the child? Nothing will be the same as before she left.
Luckily, Tomnu is always ready to be a shoulder to cry on.
“Thank you, Tomnu. You’re the best friend I ever had.”
“You’re just saying that because I’m the only one here,” Tomnu smiles.
“No, I mean it. I’ve only ever had one true friend on Earth, Zane. And then my… boyfriend, Aidan, but I fear he won’t be thrilled to see me, not like this.”
Finally, they arrive at Earth.
“Time to say goodbye to Uncle Tomnu, baby.”
“Bye bye, little one. I can’t wait to properly meet you one day.”
“I’ll miss you, Cora. I hope we meet again as well.”
“I’m sure we will, my friend.”
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Sandy Run Bowling is pretty full by the time they arrive, but luckily most people flock to the bar.
“I didn’t even know blacklight bowling was a thing. And it’s so weird not to have to constantly make sure Daniel isn’t getting into trouble.”
“Cora, you’re ahead by like 20 points, I thought you said you’d never bowled!”
“Thank you for not being a sore loser, Zane. Let’s get a drink before we leave.”
“I’m glad you invited me out, Zane. I really needed this. I had fun.”
“Always a pleasure.”
Before he can change his mind, Zane steps forward and kisses her.
Cora kisses him back for the briefest of seconds before suddenly pushing him away.
“Zane, no, I.. no. We can’t. I should go.”
“Cora, please… I’m sorry…”
“I’ll get a taxi. Goodnight, Zane.”
“Goodnight.”
For a few days, Cora ignores Zane’s texts and calls.
Don is annoyed with her.
“Cora, I see you two all the time. You’re perfect together, why don’t you give it a chance?”
“It wouldn’t work, dad. Please stay out of this.”
“I just want you to be happy, baby girl.”
A few days after the bowling fiasco, Zane is at the door.
“Cora, we need to talk about this. You haven’t been answering my calls. Or my texts.”
“Why did you kiss me? Do you have any idea how much pain you’re causing me? How dare you!”
“Pain? I would never want to cause you pain. What are you talking about?”
“Because I love you, Zane. But it would never work. I want more children. And you famously don’t.”
For a moment, Zane simply stares at Cora as tears well up in her eyes.
“Cora, I… why didn’t you talk to me about this? I do want kids. Every time I see Daniel I wish he was mine.”
“What? But – but you don’t want kids! You and Layla broke up over this! You never wanted kids!”
“I changed my mind.”
“But you can’t even have kids, you told me yourself…”
“Cora, you’re a scientist. Surely you know there are ways around that. We’ll figure it out.”
“We?”
“If you want me.”
For a moment, Cora looks into Zane’s eyes, as if trying to find a trace of doubt – or deceit.
Then she kisses him.
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