Sunday, June 21, 2015

The McEntire Legacy: 3.6


“I can’t be with you anymore,” Allyson told Enzo. “We never should have been together in the first place. I love my ex-husband, and I am done with other men.”

“But, Allyson, babe, we had something!” Enzo protested.

“No, we didn’t. What we had was lust. What I want is love. I think you should go,” She told him, pointing towards the street.

“You’ll regret this,” Enzo said as he walked away.

Tyler had seen everything from the window and ran upstairs to the bedroom, pretending to nap.


Allyson rocked him gently, and Tyler pretending to stir and wake up.

“It’s done,” Allyson said, taking his hand. “I broke up with Enzo. And I’m done running around. I thought I was wild and free, but after years of being married and raising children, I’ve realized that I’m ready to settle down.” Tyler looked at his ex-wife, concentrating on her face. She was very sincere, and he could tell that she regretted her actions.

“It will take some time,” Tyler said slowly.

“I will wait for you,” Allyson said, getting down on her knees to beg his forgiveness. Tyler drew her up and kissed her gently. Allyson smiled and held him tightly, as tears started to slide down her face. “I love you, Tyler,” she said through her tears.

“I love you too, Allyson,” Tyler said quietly as he stroked his ex-wife’s head compassionately. “I love you too,” he repeated.


Cindy had been very young when her parents divorced, but she was growing fast.

“Why are you and mommy divorced?” Cindy asked. Tyler had been waiting for this question. He took a deep breath, preparing to explain.

“Sometimes, a mommy and a daddy who really care about each other can have arguments,” he began. “It doesn’t mean they love their children any less. It simply means that sometimes, they need a break.” Tyler explained. Cindy thought for a moment.

“But you and mommy have been all kissy…” she said, making a face to express her disgust.

“Sometimes a mommy and a daddy who have gotten divorced realize what brought them together in the first place. They realize how much they still truly care for each other,” Tyler responded, smiling at his daughter. Cindy shrugged.

“Fine,” she said. “But no more mushy stuff around me.”


Astro had hesitated a while after becoming an adult, but knew that in spite of his affection for his family, he was ready to leave home.

“I want to visit my home planet,” Astro told his parents. Tyler sighed.

“I knew this day would come,” he said, putting his hand on Astro’s shoulder.

“I appreciate everything you’ve both done for me,” Astro said. “You’ve always treated me like a normal human child, and even when I find my home planet and my kind, you will always be the parents who raised me.” Allyson let out a sob and threw herself onto her alien son.

“Good luck,” she said through tears. Astro thought she might never let go.

“We love you, son,” Tyler said, pulling Astro in for a hug. “We wish you luck on your voyage. We hope you will find what you are looking for. Just do us one favor: stay in touch.” Tyler’s eyes began to mist. He had given birth to Astro himself and would certainly never forget the experience.

“Of course, Dad,” Astro said patting his father on the back. “And thank you both.” With that Astro took the rocket ship the family had in storage, and went to find his planet. Tyler wrapped his arms around Allyson.

“I’ll miss him,” she said, leaning back.

“Me too,” Tyler said quietly. “Me too.”


Cindy was sad to see Astro leave, but soon Leanna got older, and she and Cindy became the best of friends. Leanna was geeky and loved video games, and Cindy was more of an active child, but the two got along very well. Cindy admired Leanna’s cleverness, and Leanna admired Cindy’s active and playful spirit. The two were different, but very close, and they knew they would be best friends forever.


It wasn’t long before another baby was on its way. It was a boy, and Tyler and Allyson named him Johnny.


Johnny was a very clever little boy who loved to spend time playing chess and experimenting with his science table.


Johnny got along well with his older sisters, although sometimes Cindy annoyed him. Johnny was a very neat child, and Cindy was a little bit of a slob. At least Leanna was neat enough, although her geeky quirkiness always puzzled him.

“Why do you have to leave our room so messy?” Johnny demanded. Cindy laughed.

“Why do you have to keep our room so neat?” Cindy countered. Then Cindy let out a rude noise for emphasis.

“Ewww gross!” Johnny cried, pinching his nose in horror. Cindy just giggled in response to her brother’s reaction. Johnny rolled his eyes and walked away as she tried to waft the stench towards him.


Over the next several months, Allyson practiced mixology and baking and got a job in the culinary career track. Her relationship with Tyler was flourishing, but she knew he was getting older, so she decided to bring in some extra money for the future. She started out as a dishwasher, which was not very glamorous, but she hoped to work her way up through the ranks. It turned out, that having her own career made Allyson feel fulfilled, and she and Tyler were becoming closer than ever.


“I baked you some cake, honey,” Allyson said smiling at her ex-husband. He smiled back at her.

“That’s very thoughtful of you, dear,” Tyler replied. “You’re such a  good cook, and I’m so happy you’re pursuing a career that you like.”

“Thank you,” Allyson said, glowing with his praise. “I hope you don’t mind me having less time to spend with the children,” she said biting her lip.

“I only work a few days a week now,” Tyler said, patting Allyson on the shoulder. “You’ve taken such good care of our children over the years. Now I have more time to spend with them, just like I’ve always wanted, so now it’s my turn.” He pulled Allyson into a tight hug. “I love you,” he whispered.

“I love you too,” she whispered back. She could not believe how she and her life had changed and how she was finally exactly where she wanted to be.


A few more months passed, and Tyler and Allyson were happier than ever with their stable, loving family.

“Tyler,” Allyson began, getting down on one knee. “I know I have wronged you in the past, and I am so blessed that you have forgiven me. You have given me the life I truly wanted, and that life is with you. Now it’s my turn. With this ring, I am asking you to marry me, so we can be a true family once again. I love you, Tyler.” Tyler’s eyes watered as he stared at his ex-wife. She had changed and stayed faithful to him, and he loved and trusted her. She was the mother of his children, and he wanted to make her his wife once again. Tyler took the ring and put it on his finger without saying a word. He was choked up and could not find a way to express his happiness. He smiled down and his ex-wife/fiancee and drew her up and held her close. He finally managed to speak.

“You’ve made an old man very happy,” he choked out. Allyson kissed him on the cheek.

“You’ve made a very foolish middle-aged woman very happy,” Allyson said, squeezing him.


The wedding ceremony was lovely, and all of their children watched as the made their new vows.

“I guess this makes you my ex-ex-wife,” Tyler said before the big kiss.

“Shut up and kiss me,” Allyson said, pulling him in and kissing him passionately.

“Gross!” Cindy, Leanna, and Johnny chorused. Tyler and Allyson laughed at their children’s disgust. Alex, Shirley, Colin, Tim, Katie, and Astro, who had come back from his planet of origin to watch the ceremony, laughed and cheered for their remarried parents. Tyler and Allyson were overjoyed and ready to continue their lives together.

Characters: 3.6



Leanna McEntire

Aspiration: Social Butterfly

Traits:
  • Geek
  • Socially Gifted


Johnny McEntire

Aspiration: Whiz Kid

Traits:
  • Neat
  • Mentally Gifted

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

The McEntire Legacy: 3.5


The McEntire children continued to grow, and soon Timothy, Katie, and Astro were adults. Timothy left home to pursue his career as a rapper.


“I’m gonna be the best rapper ever!” Timothy exclaimed as he hip bumped his father.


“I’m sure you are, son,” Tyler said smirking.

“Yo, yo, yo, dawg!” Timothy rapped. “Did that sound right?” Tyler laughed. Under that big hoodie he was just a shy, nerdy little redhead.


Katie had grown into even more of a beauty than she was as a teenager and had developed an elegant style to match. She wanted to start a cosmetics company and often bragged about her groundbreaking idea for pixel-free make-up.

“My new make-up line will innovate the industry!” she claimed proudly.

“Why do humans even wear make-up?” Astro asked. While during his teenage years, he had mostly worn his human disguise, as an adult, he had come to accept who he was. “It’s like people are hiding behind a mask,” he commented.

“Some people need masks to hide behind. That’s why I want to get my nose fixed,” Katie explained with a toss of her head.

“Your nose looks fine,” Astro protested.

“But it could look better,” Katie said. “That’s the whole point of make-up. It makes everything look better! Some people simply don’t understand,” she finished condescendingly. So Katie moved out, leaving Alex, Shirley, and Astro as the only remaining children.


It wasn’t long before another baby was on its way, and soon, Allyson gave birth to Cindy.


Cindy was a playful, energetic little girl. She was a bit messy and loved to play outside and get dirty, but spent most of her time climbing on the monkey bars and running around. Allyson had thought that things would slow down now that most of the children had left home, but with another child, and Tyler becoming older with less stamina, she was more starved for affection than ever.


Rumors about Allyson had been spreading for some time, but soon more and more people were talking about seeing her with various men. Tyler had begun to hear about his wife being seen with other men, but assumed it was simply her flirtatious nature.

He’ll be the seventh man I’ve kissed...today, Allyson thought proudly as she puckered up. His mustache felt bristly, and his scarf was a bit too effeminate for her taste, but she was having fun! She had been so bored at home raising the children, cooking, and cleaning and waiting for any scrap of affection Tyler passed her way, that she wasn’t very choosy when she went in search of flirtations.


Men even came over to the house for dates, and Tyler was always at work, or thought they were just friends. Maybe he didn’t want to believe that his wife was cheating on him. Maybe she was flaunting her varied love life to make him jealous. But soon, Tyler would not be able to ignore her behavior.


It was late afternoon when Tyler was busy doing some freelance programming in the study that Allyson invited Enzo into the bedroom. He had become one of her favorites because of his thick black hair and charming personality. The thrill of Tyler being right downstairs made Allyson excited, but she did not anticipate the possibility of him tearing himself away from the computer screen.


Tyler came into the bedroom suddenly and was shocked to see Allyson in bed with another man. The two jumped out of bed, but it was too late. Tyler gaped, unable to find words.

“Tyler, this doesn’t mean anything!” Allyson cried. “He means nothing to me.”

“Hey!” Enzo said, taking offense.

“I heard the rumors. I saw the signs. I just didn’t want to believe them,” Tyler said quietly. Then he turned his back and began to leave the room.

“Tyler, please!” Allyson begged. Tyler looked behind him and saw Enzo nonchalantly pulling up his pants over his superman boxers. The casual attitude made his blood boil, and he spun around on the two of them.

“How dare you come into my home and use my bed to woohoo with my wife!” Tyler yelled, pointing at Enzo.

“Tyler, just listen!” Allyson pleaded.

“And you!” He said, rounding on his wife. “How could you do this to our family?! How could you let this man into our home so he could wreck our lives?!” Tears began to roll down Allyson’s cheeks. “Don’t you dare try to sway me with tears, Allyson! Enough is enough! You’ve been running all over town with no regard to me or our children!”

“Hey, calm down, man,” Enzo said in his chill way.

“Get out of my house!” Tyler roared. Enzo grabbed his belt and shoes and made a run for it.


“How could you, Allyson?” Tyler asked with tears beginning to roll down his cheeks. He wiped away the tears with his hands, not able to remember the last time he cried.

“I had needs, Tyler!” Allyson said, becoming tired of taking all the blame. Tyler stared at her.

“I want a divorce,” he said sadly. “No - no I don’t. We have a child. We can work this out,” he said taking her hand.

“You know what, Tyler? I want a divorce.” Allyson said pulling her hand away. “I’m done wishing for romance and excitement with a man who can’t give it to me.” Tyler felt a wave of cold wash over him as he heard those words. It was over.


Allyson was to stay at the McEntire house until she could find a new place of residence, but being forced to see a former spouse every day was very difficult. Tyler spent most of his days moping and looking into the fire, wondering if he could have provided for her better. Allyson spent some of her time with Enzo, but no longer seemed to take the same joy in her affairs when they weren’t truly affairs. At least, that’s what she told herself, but she had to admit that she felt pangs of regret, and she couldn’t escape the fact that out of all the men she had been with, Tyler was the only one she truly loved. Allyson spent the next months searching for a flame that excited her as much as her affairs had, but felt empty inside. Tyler barely looked at her even in passing, and despite the bitterness she had felt when she demanded a divorce, the bitterness had faded into sadness.


One evening, Tyler invited a pretty brunette named Frances over for a date. The two had chatted a few times, and Tyler hoped that she could replace the love he had lost. The two sat down on the couch and made small talk until Allyson burst into the room.

“I’m pregnant!” she cried, holding the positive pregnancy test. She looked surprised by the company, and Tyler glared at her for the intrusion.

“I thought you said you were divorced!” Frances said suspiciously.

“We are,” Tyler replied firmly. “How do I know it’s even mine?” Tyler demanded of his ex-wife. Frances looked shocked and appalled. Allyson began to cry.

“You don’t!” she sobbed. “But I know it’s yours!”

“I’m out of here,” Frances said, getting out of her seat, angrily. “I don’t want any part of this drama!” With that, she strode out the door and slammed it behind her.


“What do you think you’re doing, Allyson! You’ve already ruined my life! What, do you want to ruin any chances of future happiness I might have?!” Tyler yelled. Allyson sobbed more hysterically than ever.

“I’m sorry,” she choked out through her tears.

“You divorced me, remember?” Alex demanded. “It’s just the pregnancy hormones talking.” Allyson threw herself onto Tyler in tears. Tyler was taken aback by Allyson’s display of sadness and didn’t know what to do.

“I was wrong,” she whispered. She heaved several big sobs before she could collect herself enough to continue. “I was searching for romance and excitement, and when I got it I realized all I really want is love and stability.”

Tyler stared at his crying ex-wife. She seemed truly remorseful, and his heart ached for her. He had told himself it was time to move on, but he never really had.  

“I love you, Tyler,” Allyson whispered.

“Break up with your boyfriend,” Tyler said sternly. “Then we’ll talk.”


Soon, Allyson gave birth to Leanna. She adored her new daughter, and pledged that she would fix her relationship with her ex-husband for her. Leanna had been a gift that had given hope for them to be reunited. She would break up with Enzo and try to win her ex-husband back.


Allyson looked in the mirror. She had changed a lot over the many years without even realizing it. Instead of a mischievous young woman looking for romance and excitement, she was a middle-aged, divorced housewife who wanted love, family, and stability. She wondered if it was just her age that had changed her, but then she realized it was Tyler. Through all of the men she had seen, he had been her one true love, and her love for him made her who she had become. She would have to prove to Tyler that she had changed. She would prove to him that she loved him and only him, and if she could undo the mess she had made, she would be loyal to him for the rest of their lives together.