[IC] Family Legacies

[Jenny]

Eden McComb



The last few weeks of school flew by for Eden. She had something to look forward to this summer and each day didn't seem as awful. She promised her uncle she would try to improve her grades, which she did but it wasn't enough to prevent her from having to repeat the last semester. Summer school had been offered so she could be a junior in the fall but AJ decided that letting her go to Europe was more important and turned it down. The principal had been surprised but understood when AJ said he felt it was best for Eden to spend her time remembering that there were good things in life. She still missed her mother like hell but helping her uncle plan the trip gave her something else to focus on. His boss was so nice, she had been more then willing to let him take off two months of work. In fact, she had even gave Eden a job at the shelter. Eden helped in the office after school and would play and feed the animals. She could do her homework and it got her out of the house. Nattie paid her and Eden saved all the money for their vacation. It worked out wonderfully that Nattie had offered her a job, other places didn't want to hire her because she wasn't sixteen yet. Her birthday was in the summer, with the travel plan she and AJ had, she'd be celebrating her birthday in Madrid, Spain and those potential employers had told her come back once she was sixteen. Eden liked helping out the animal shelter anyway. She saw that everyone adored her uncle, Nattie would joke if she was younger and not so in love with her husband she'd make sure he was off the market. Some of the volunteers had crushes on him as well. Eden would tease AJ about it but he said between her and work he didn't have time to date. The last serious girlfriend he had left a bad taste his mouth. She had broken up with him because he couldn't devote all his free time to her. Her mother had gotten sick and AJ had spent a lot of time helping her out. Eden had never liked his last girlfriend anyway. Her mother constantly told him to dump her. Eden just hoped AJ wasn't planning on being a confirmed bachelor. He was a good man with a good heart and he would be a good father and husband to someone. Although he wasn't technically her father, he was the nearest thing she had to one and she loved him very much. Although school had gotten somewhat better Eden didn't reconnect with her old friends. She just felt they would never get her loss but she did talk more to Toby. She liked him and also felt bad for him. He had confessed to her how much he and his new stepfather didn't get along. In a few days she and AJ were going to leave for Europe. Nattie and her husband would take care of their cat Rocky while they were gone and they would be staying in hostels and riding bikes wherever they could. Eden had bought a couple extra memory cards for her digital camera. She didn't want to miss anything. She was surprised when AJ called her downstairs and told her Toby was at the door.

Toby is something wrong?

It was after dinner time and she thought he would be home with his family. They would talk in school but it wasn't like they were dating or anything. They would just talk about life and how much they each missed a parent who died.

[Corey]

Toby Wisebaker



The only highlight of Toby's last few weeks was talking with Eden. His mother married Pete and Toby hated him. He knew he shouldn't hate anyone but that man...He couldn't prevent it and he knew the feeling was mutual. It was a bad sign that his mother and Pete got married while he and his sisters were in school in front of judge. Pete didn't even want them there to see them get married. Toby loved his mother but he was frustrated with her, she kept defending Pete. Like that man could do wrong and whatever Toby did that upset Pete had to be Toby's fault. Pete even insisted that he be called "dad". Toby refused to do so, he had a father and Pete was never going to replace him. The final straw came when Callie spilled her glass of milk and Pete tried to go off on her.

Leave her alone! It was an accident!

Don't you dare tell me what to do boy or-

Or what?!

Toby yelled back getting in Pete's face. Toby was only 16 but he was already 6'4. He was taller then Pete and Pete didn't like having to look up at him. Callie had run off to her room crying, Ruthie was hiding, and Toby's mother tried to calm them down but it was no good. Pete and Toby yelled at each other and Toby finally had enough and finally punched the older man in his face, breaking his nose. His mother screamed at Toby and rushed over to Pete.

That's f*cking it! I've had it with him Lucille! He has to go! I want him out of this house! Now!!!

Pete screamed and Toby was in shock. He couldn't just kick him out. His mother wouldn't stand for that, would she? But she did. She agreed with Pete and told Toby he needed to go.

Mom I-

What the hell?! She sided with him again?! He was her kid and yet she was taking Pete's side. His mother told him it was best for him to pack his things and leave. Maybe his father's family would be able to take him in. They lived in Boston. She handed him some money for a bus ticket and told Toby to pack a bag. He stormed off to his room and packed his book bag. His sisters were crying that he had been kicked out and he hugged them. He told them goodbye and someday he would come back for them. He looked at his mother who was trying to stop Pete's nose from bleeding and left, slamming the door behind him. He wasn't sure what he was supposed to do and he ended up at Eden's house. He wanted to tell her bye. After her uncle got her, he asked her if they could talk on the porch. He sighed when she asked him what was going on.

I got in a fight with Pete and he and my mom kicked me out...I'm leaving and I...I just wanted to tell you bye and that I hope you enjoy Europe.

There was more he wanted to tell her, like how he much he liked and not just as friends but he didn't want to dump that all on her. He'd probably never see her again anyway. He wasn't coming back to Ohio for a long, long time.

[Jenny]

Eden McComb



Eden followed Toby out onto the porch and looked at him shock when he said he got into a fight with his mother's husband and they kicked him out.

What? How...Why...

Her questions weren't actually directed Toby, she couldn't understand why his mother would do that. She shook her head, his mother was definitely different then her own. Eden's mother would never have done that. In fact, Evie had rarely dated because she devoted most of her time to raising her child. Eden's mother always said she'd have lots of time to find a good man once Eden was grown up. Eden would only be little once and she wasn't going to miss it. Eden reached out and touched Toby's arm.

That's not right Toby, I'm sorry. Where will you go?

What kind of mother would send her sixteen year old son out into the world on his own. Especially when it sounded like her husband was at least verbally abusing her kids.

[Corey]

Toby Wisebaker



Even if Eden's questions weren't actually directed at Toby, he couldn't help but respond. Anger was in his voice as he said.

Because he's a prick and she's madly in love with him.

Love was freaking blind, he thought. He thought a parent's love was supposed to one of the strongest loves there was...Well apparently not when it came to his mother. Screw her then, he didn't need a mother who picked her asshole husband over her kids. He gave Eden a small smile.

It's okay, at least I won't have to live with him now. My dad had family that lived in Boston, maybe someone will let me live with them.

He shrugged a little though, he wasn't sure about it. Since his father had died his family hadn't kept in touch. Mostly because they didn't approve of how his mother had acted since his father died.

Don't worry about me, I'll be fine. I just wanted you to know why you won't see me in the fall at school.

He should head to the bus station and leave town. The farther he got away from Pete and his mother, the better. He turned to leave and then decided if he never saw her again, he would regret not telling her how he felt.

I just...I wish I had gotten the courage to talk to you sooner. I really like you and I...You and my sisters are the only people I'll miss here. Have fun in Europe Eden, go see all those places you showed me in that book.

Toby told her with a smile and turned to head down the steps of the porch.

[Jenny]

Eden McComb



Eden could not argue with Toby about his thoughts about Pete. She realized she had been very lucky that her mother was very picky when it came to men after her father had left. She never had to meet anyone like Pete, her mother never got serious again with a man before she died. Sadly she thought she'd have the rest of her adult life to find a husband. She could tell Toby wasn't sure where he was going to live and she just hoped someone would take him. When he confessed that he liked her and he wished he had talked to her sooner, she replied.

I'm glad you did though, our talks...It really helped me deal with my mom being gone. I knew I wasn't alone how I felt.

Her own mother and uncle had lost their mother too and AJ helped her as best he could but...It was also nice talking to someone her own age about it.

I really like you too and I wish you didn't have to go...I hope we'll see each other again someday. Maybe when you're a famous boxer, I'll see you fight.

She told him with a smile, although Toby was probably more concerned about where he was going to sleep and eat then becoming a boxer now. Perhaps she could talk to her uncle, maybe he would help make sure Toby didn't have to leave...

[Corey]

Toby Wisebaker



Toby smiled a little sadly at Eden when she said she wished he didn't have to go.

I'm glad I helped.

His smile was a little bigger when she said that maybe she'd see him box someday. It was probably would be a long shot but it was nice of her to think so. She'd probably go off to college and find a nice husband as for him...Who knew? He'd probably be fighting to survive on the streets and the dream of being a boxer would long be gone...

I'd like that.

Believing he'd probably never see her again, he leaned down and kissed her.

Good bye Eden.

Toby told her and hopped onto his bicycle to ride to the bus station. At least he didn't have to ride it to Boston, Mom had actually given him some money. He looked at the different cities he could buy a ticket to. He was sixteen but no one was giving him any looks other then the ones who were surprised how tall he was. He was already taller then the average adult male and he could still grow. Most people assumed that at his height he was an adult with just a baby face. He supposed being on his own he could use that to his advantage. A ticket to Boston was available but he also saw he could buy a ticket to Philadelphia...That's where Bruno Sinclair had been trained by Marv Hossler. Bruno might have disappeared off the face of the Earth but Marv still owned the gym. He thought what Eden said about seeing him box someday and then it hit him. He should go to Philadelphia and find Marv. Maybe he would train him...help him become famous. What did he have to lose anyway? He had no home to return to and he wasn't certain anyone would want him in Boston. He could make his own future if he took a chance, so he bought the next available ticket to Philly. Fifteen minutes later he was on the bus and maybe actually getting one step closer to his dream.

[Jenny]

Eden McComb



Eden kissed Toby back when he kissed her. Although she had been somewhat popular at school before her mother died, her mother hadn't allowed her to date yet so she hadn't kissed a boy before. She liked kissing Toby though and wished he didn't have to leave.

Good bye Toby...

She said watching him leave and then she quickly headed back inside to find her uncle. AJ was sitting on the couch watching the news as he petted Rocky who was sitting on his lap. He didn't see the need to supervise Eden since she had been on the porch with Toby. They couldn't get away with too much out there where the neighbors would see them. He could tell she was upset and immediately asked her what was wrong. When she told him what Toby's mother and stepfather did, he was shocked. They had basically thrown the kid to the wolves.

...Is there anything we can do? He doesn't even know if he has someone in Boston to live with.

AJ wasn't sure, maybe Toby could sleep on the couch....But then he thought that probably wasn't a good idea. He wasn't naive, he knew the boy had a crush on his niece and he had been a teenage boy once too...No, he couldn't let Toby stay with them but maybe he had a friend who could at least take him in for a little while. He wouldn't feel right just letting the boy go off on his own. He might be as big as an adult but he was still a kid. AJ set an annoyed Rocky on the floor and quickly got his shoes on.

We'll figure something out, maybe we can catch him before he gets on that bus.

AJ and Eden went as fast as the speed limit would let them go to get to the bus station but they were too late. By the time they arrived Toby was no where to be found. The kid was taller then AJ and most normal sized adults. He wasn't hard to miss in a crowd. They asked around but no one seemed to remember him, although AJ thought that was because no one really paid much attention. He called the police but there really wasn't much they could do. They would have no way of knowing where he went, he could have decided that Boston wasn't the place for him and took a bus to some other city. They had nothing to go on since the workers at the bus station paid little attention to customers as long as they paid. Eden said his mother gave him cash and that was impossible to trace...Although AJ found out from the police officer that the mother and stepfather's story was that Toby ran off and stole the money. The little sisters agreed with the story but in reality they were too scared to disagree with Pete. As far as the police were concerned Toby was just another teenage runaway.

[Jenny]

Greta Keller



It took about a week and half to make all the arrangements to go to Germany. Zabel had been right that Tim and Helen were willing to help them with the travel expenses and the fake passports had came through. Although the lawyer did turn out to be legitimate, it was better to be safe then sorry. They were leaving the safety of the community's numbers and Greta had no doubt that if Nathan even heard in passing of her traveling out of Budapest he would try to kill her. When she asked the lawyer how he had found her, he replied it was because of a baby catalog she had been sent in the mail. To think something that simple could be used to find her scared Greta a little. If a lawyer could find her, so could Nathan. At least the whole trip would not just be about father stuff. In fact, the plan was to settle his will first and then actually enjoy themselves. A part of her was happy to be able to put this behind her before she entered motherhood. The lawyer had seemed eager for her to come to Hamburg and settle the will although if he had waited much longer to send the letter, he would have had to wait until after her daughter was born. She wasn't a risk to go into premature labor and she had been told that after 36 weeks that the baby could pretty much come whenever she wanted and be healthy. Greta knew she wanted to have Fiona in the community, to be surrounded by family and friends. Plus it wasn't like a human hospital would know how to deal with her. Although she made sure she knew where there were hospitals were in case Fiona decided to enter the world sooner then she was supposed to. Greta hadn't talked much about her father once she learned his death was not a cruel joke. She focused instead on the sights and places she, Flynn, Zabel, and Krikor were going to see. She liked focusing on positive things instead of her own emotions of her father's death. She didn't know if she was supposed to cry or cheer that he was gone. She had her bags packed but had them set on her bed, she knew everyone would yell at her if she tried to carry them herself. After all she was carrying something far more important. Flynn and Fritz would be here soon with the car and she thought she'd take the chance to talk to Helen. When she found her adoptive mother, she told her.

Thank you for helping arrange the trip.

She was sure even as she said the words that Helen would tell she didn't need to thank her but Greta would always be thankful to Helen and Tim. In the short time she had been a part of their family, they had done so much more for then her biological parents had ever done. She couldn't ask for better parents for herself or better grandparents for Fiona. Knowing that soon she would be in a lawyer's office talking about her father, she rubbed her arm as she asked.

Mom how did you handle your parents dying? A part me is kind of sad and another part of me is almost happy. Although I know I shouldn't be because he was my father but I'm happy he can't hurt me and Fritz anymore and Fiona will never have to know him...

Fiona would have Tim for a grandfather and he would be much better one to her then Greta's biological father could have ever been. Greta knew Helen would know how she felt, Helen had told Greta that her parents had been emotionally abusive as well.

[Corey]

Toby Wisebaker



Toby's mother hadn't given him much money when she and Pete kicked him out. After bus fare and a cheap meal he ordered from a fast food restaurant's dollar menu Toby was almost broke. He had no where to sleep but he was determined. He had a goal in mind, he was going to find Marv Hossler. He had found the address of Marv's gym in an old phone book and walked down streets he had never been down before to find the gym. He had an idea what it looked like, or what it did back in the day when Bruno was famous. He had seen pictures of it in a magazine article when they had interviewed Bruno Sinclair about how he got his start. Although when Toby found it, the place looked dilapidated. He wondered if the gym had been abandoned and then fear hit him. If Marv wasn't here, what the hell was he going to do? He just spent all his money on the chance of being famous. Then hope came back when he saw a car pull up. Marv Hossler got out of it and looked up at Toby in confusion.

Can I help you kid?

Marv Hossler?

Who wants to know?

Marv could tell that Toby was a kid, granted a tall one but still a kid. It was late and he should be home with his family not outside his old gym. Toby held out his hand.

Toby Wisebaker. I want you to train me to be a boxer.

Kid you're too young, you got to finish school first.

Marv replied to him after he had shaken Toby's hand and went to unlock the door. Toby wasn't going to take no for an answer and said.

No I'm not. I'm...20.

Yeah and I'm 25. Look kid in a few years come back and maybe I'll-

No! I can't come back. Look I traveled all the way here to find you. I want you to train me, so I can be the best.

What makes you think Old Marv can make you the best?

Marv was barely keeping his head above water. Once he was considered a great trainer and although boxing was still popular most of the younger kids were into that mixed martial arts and cage fighting stuff. People didn't go seek him out anymore.

Because you trained Bruno Sinclair and he was the best in the world.

Kid most people don't even remember him.

I do...All I've ever wanted to be as a great of a boxer as him and to be great I need you to train me.

Marv rubbed his chin as he looked at Toby. There was something about him, he reminded him of Bruno. Bruno wasn't much older then Toby when he had Marv train him for the big times. It wasn't just Toby's height that made him think that, although he couldn't deny promoters loved the tall ones. Toby had some muscles but if he trained harder he would fill out nicely. There was something in his eyes...Looking at Toby made him think he was seeing Bruno all over again. Bruno had been Marv's greatest success. The one who made the big money, the one who won championships. Marv had made big money too. Too bad both men had gambling problems and Bruno disappeared. Now all he had left was his gym but maybe Toby could be his chance to get back in the game.

Well kid maybe I can train you after all. But I don't want no trouble with cops, do you have a home and parents looking for you somewhere?

I don't have a home anymore.

Toby replied to Marv and Marv could tell that Toby was telling the truth this time.

Well then you can stay with me. It ain't nothing fancy but you'll have a bed and warm food. Plus it'll give us lots of time to train you. I think we have a bright future together.

Already the wheels were turning in Marv's head about how he was going to make Toby just as famous as Bruno had been...No even more famous. Toby thanked Marv and followed him inside the gym. He was another step closer to his dream.

[Monkey Kitty]

Helen



"You're welcome," Helen replied. "You don't even have to mention it. Anything you need, sweetheart."

Helen and Tim's lifestyle hadn't changed much since they'd come into her inheritance. They lived in the same house, drove the same cars, and did the same family activities. It was really nice, though, to be able to just finance anything one of their kids or a community member needed. The Volkov family had always been more than generous, but giving as well as receiving felt good. It was comfortable for Helen that money wasn't really an object when it came to helping out with something like this.

The question about her parents didn't surprise her. She had expected it at some point. It was a difficult one to answer, though, no matter how much time she'd had to prepare.

"I felt the same way you describe, honestly, Greta," Helen told her. "Sad and happy. They were my parents. They raised me. Not lovingly or kindly, but... children can't help loving, and the adults we are contain the children we were, especially when it comes to our mothers and fathers. Even after they cut me entirely out of their lives, they weren't entirely gone from my heart."

She sighed. "But my parents... they did terrible things. They were the ones who forced Zabel to carry their child as a surrogate, and who were going to take him from her against her will. They were the ones who ordered the doctor they employed to cut her son out of her womb and leave her to bleed to death. They were my parents, but... Zabel is my daughter, and Krikor is my grandson. I can't help feeling happy that Zabel is alive and Krikor is safe, and that Krikor is being raised by Zabel rather than by someone who would treat a person so horribly."

"The strength of the emotions has faded with time. It isn't as raw now, or as close to the surface. To tell you the truth, though, I still feel conflicted. I mourn, but I don't regret, and there's relief there, too. I think the main thing I mourn is the people they could have been, the relationship we could have had if things had been different. If they'd been different."

Helen smiled, and wrapped her arm around Greta's shoulders. "I'm sorry. I know that probably isn't very helpful to you. I don't have an easy answer to this. But just know... it's normal. I understand how you feel."