The Inheritance {Frogger and Ran}

[Ranser]

Male characters.

Adam Bell surprise owner of a coastal restaurant following the passing of his paternal grandfather
It wasn't easy growing up and he could see the turmoil and pressure it was putting on his mother. As soon as he was aware, he did not put any pressure on Holly to buy him this, that or the other and he did not complain if he had not the best of things. Adam spent a lot of time on the beach amusing himself or finding people to play any kind of ball game. This sense of the value of money stood him well and took to maths like a duck to water and he later went to college to start getting his accounting qualifications.
His grandfather, George, had provided a college fund to allow him to do this and they had a close bond although Adam wishes it was stronger. Quite often they would meet up for burgers on the boardwalk when they could. Although the burgers his grandad brought were quite dire.

Paul Clarkson best mate of Adam, and a keen photographer.
Paul has lived in the area all of his life, his family own a popular bread and breakfast which has occupancy all year round. A lot of the b&b's guests are repeat visitors who come for their vacations, especially off peak season getaways to enjoy the sun and sea when it is less busy. This dark haired guy has always wanted to work in journalism where he can put his photographic skills to work. He spends a lot of time out in the sun enjoying the weather and looking for the perfect shot or things which catch his eye.

Willem de Haas or Will for short, travelled from the Netherlands. Currently employed by the restaurant as a grill/fry cook
Will has always seen himself as the caring guy. Always the one to spend time with someone who is looking down and the type who would stop for someone if they had broken down on the roadside. He can cook quite well but doesn't have the passion for it per se to take it further. He came to the States ahead of his sister, to pave the way for her to come over and get something organised properly. It helped that Marit had a concert contract in Amsterdam for awhile to allow him to do this knowing that she had somewhere to stay and had a regular income. He loves his soccer.

Allen Hughes an Australian traveller who is drawn to sun, sea, sand.
Initially taking a gap year to travel before deciding what he wants to do with life. The world is his oyster and on his travels which led him to this city. He is already feeling the relaxed vibe, excellent surf and really nice people. It is an easy decision to savour this place but to do that, he needs a job, whether working in a bar or peeling potatoes in a restaurant, its all good to him as long as he can hit the waves during the daytime.

James Webster probably the most sensible of the group of lads who are local.
Slightly older than Adam and Paul but was part of the crowd growing up together. He was always the one to make sure that they were home by a certain time when playing outside and stopped them doing anything too stupid. He works as a teller for a bank and slowly working higher up the chain. For leisure he is a gamer but not overly so. Despite being sensible, if someone suggests that they go out for a beer, he will be up for it.

Foster elite chef who is starting to learn how to enjoy life
Foster has worked in the fanciest of restaurants and travelled the world in his career. The A list celebrities who he has cooked for is countless and earned a fortune doing it but it has cost him dear in other ways. Due to the stress and long hours, he has lost his wife and missed his child's younger years and an expensive alimony. He has moved to this city, into a really nice place to reset himself and reconnect with his young son. He wouldn't mind doing a few hours in a kitchen, just to keep active and keep his hand in, but he does not want to get into any stressful situations as it brings out his darker side which he wants to bury.

Scott Davis "handy man"
Scott is the only one of the local lads who did not further his education. He went into his family's building business and he has slowly developing his own niche of doing general home and garden maintenance ranging from painting and decorating, assembling flat pack furniture, mowing lawns. All the while his father and elder brothers are focusing on the house building business. Scott is a simple guy with simple tastes enjoying a cold beer and the game on television usually.

 

[Frogger]

Female Characters

Holiday Bell, or Holly for short. (40) Mother of Adam. An entrepreneur herself, Holly has a little experience in the industry already. Once Adam inherits the restaurant George (paternal grandfather) left him, Holly steps into the role of pastry chef. Holly was raised under the mindset that, once a woman marries, her duty is to stay home and raise the kids, take over the household. During her childhood and adolescent years Holly worked hard in school and everything else, but that wasn't her main 'responsibility'. Once her husband ran off to be a man-whore with several skinny blondes... she cracked down to get her life back in order. Holly is strong-willed, determined and sassy, an older woman who keeps her heart locked away now that she knows the pain of heartbreak.

Annalise Schneir, or Anna. (21) A young chef brought in when she was still barely in high school, Anna has loved to explore the culinary arts. Her parents, Alistair and Ciara, raised her with very high expectations. Of course Anna excelled academically, but she was never happy. It wasn't until a big fight with her parents related to college applications that Anna ended up on the doorstep of the restaurant. Everyone welcomed her with open arms. George was especially supportive, and after a while he brought her to the back, in order to show her where the magic happens. Anna realized there that she had a gift for cooking, and a passion to match. Behind Alistair and Ciara's backs, Anna applied to culinary school... and on the day she revealed the fact she was accepted, they wanted nothing more to do with her. Luckily George was kind enough to help her. Anna had a part-time job at the restaurant while she was in college. In fact, George helped her find a cheap apartment to live in close by. Two of her siblings refuse to let her be exiled from the family, but her younger sister won't even talk to her anymore. (Saute Chef)

Katherine Savage, also known as Kat (17) because of her stand-offish personality. Kat has worked at the restaurant for quite a few years now, as a server. Yes, she sort of fell into the business. Don't ask her to get into the kitchen, but more than likely, it'll end up catching on fire. A quiet, reserved soul, Kat doesn't talk unless she absolutely has to. Usually she wears long sleeves to hide the scars on her arms. Kat's mother died when she was five, and her father was an abusive drunk. He'd drink almost as soon as he'd get the money to buy booze, and later on the same day, take his frustrations out on her. Kat had to tolerate a lot of crap over the years. It wasn't until she was fourteen that she finally had the nerve to run away... but she had no place to go. Annalise found her out on the sidewalk during one particularly rainy day, with nothing more than the clothes on her back and a pocket full of memories. At her insistent, Kat was dragged to the restaurant where she had a cup of hot chocolate. One thing led to another, and... now she works at the restaurant.

Ivy Wright (20) knows just about everyone in town. In fact, her family's lived on the outskirts, in the countryside, for generations. Ivy was raised around cows and horses and pigs... which is great for any country girl, but she was always drawn more to the cliffs, where purple flowers grew wild and free. At some point or another, Ivy realized she'd rather work with flowers... so, after tons of babysitting jobs, lots of part-time jobs and everything else, Ivy managed to open her own florist shop. It wasn't easy. Math's not Ivy's best subject. The past several years, Ivy had to hire someone online to take care of the books. Yes, it's the lazy way out... but after fighting with equations during the last four years of high school, she knows better than to even try. Ivy's sweet but naive, and just a little bit dense. Usually she spends her free time helping out on the family farm... but lately, her time's been wrapped up in the restaurant right down the street. Ivy's dated a lot in the past, however no one stuck. Oh, and... Ivy has three brothers, five sisters. It's busy at Thanksgiving.

Marit de Haas (22) is Willem's older sister, and also the more authoratative figure. It was difficult to leave the Netherlands, however... she didn't like the idea of her younger brother being so far away, alone. All they have is each other. A self-reliant sort of woman, Marit is a diligent and independent worker who prefers to make her own decisions. It just isn't always easy for her to listen to others' advice. Marit enjoys the simple things in life, especially those that takes her outdoors... which is part of the reason why she's working on advertising for the restaurant. At night, too, Marit sits down at the piano and plays for everyone eating there, singing with her beautiful Dutch accent. Unfortunately... Marit has very little experience with men because of a certain overprotective brother of hers... so, she has trouble talking with others. Every so often, Marit is too candid and honest in her assessment of situations. Deep down... she'd love to be more lighthearted, more friendly, instead of serious and shy. Her and Willem's childhood was far from easy, having jumped from one home to another... but somehow or another, they were always together.

Blaine Blythe (32) happens to be the interior designer who helped renovate Scrumptious Delights and Scrumptious Temptations. It was stuck in the seventies' when she managed to get her hands on it, but now it is beautiful and luxurious, without a stuffiness that is offsetting. As a young woman who is... older, though not old, she's eager to start a family... but no men seem to be interested in settling down. Blaine was raised in a family that barely scraped by, and having older siblings... she rarely received anything new. During her teenage years, Blaine was a "wallflower", often overlooked when in the presence of the curvy, flirty girls boys like to fawn over. Blaine sketched on nearly every piece of paper, regardless if she had to turn it in for homework. Somehow or another Blaine found herself in college... and it was there she was noticed. Yes, she stumbled across love... but it was never meant to last. Blaine had other plans for her future, and... well, she wasn't going to let him hold her down. After reinventing herself, Blaine struck out as an interior designer. It's still a struggling business, but it's HER business.

Denver Luttrell (17) had to learn at an early age that she shouldn't have to take crap from anybody. At six years old, Denver watched her parents rip each other apart in a vicious divorce… and then again when the parenting plan wasn't working out. In the end, Mom won full custody… and a couple years later, she's walking down the aisle to marry somebody else. Doing that landed Denver not just a rich stepfather, but a stepbrother AND a stepsister. Nice, right? Yeah, not so much. Denver was taken to juvenile detention for beating the guy into the emergency room. Nobody knows exactly what happened that night, but the judge ruled in her favor, since she'd never got in serious trouble before. After doing time, Denver's out and trying to figure out how to finish high school, work, and everything else when nobody's really willing to give her a helping hand… Denver has a fierce temper, and she isn't afraid to swing punches at anybody who's done her wrong. It takes a lot to earn her friendship, her loyalty or her trust... but once you've earned it, you've got somebody who's got your back no matter what.

Kai Meyers (25) - A new addition to the Reentry and Rehabilitation Program centered on juvenile delinquents rejoining society. Having ranked second in her class, Kai is more than qualified for the job… only, she has no experience to speak of, so she has a lot to prove. In fact, several of her superiors disapprove of her position and believe she never should have been hired. Kai was highly recommended by many professors after graduating college. To put it simply, Kai was raised wanting nothing. Both of her parents worked respectable jobs, able to provide for her in ways many others can’t for their children. It was sometime during high school that Kai’s perspective of life was drastically altered, and not through trauma. No, Kai became very close with a student met with judgment -all because she had a criminal record before her 18th birthday. Kai did everything in her power to help, but of course, there wasn’t much she could do… which led her down the path she’s taken.

 

[Ranser]

It is a sunny May day, the sun is high in the sky as it is roughly noon, a cooling breeze is a welcome relief. It sounds idyllic but unfortunately it is the funeral of a beloved friend and family member. Adam stood close to his mother, Holly, at the side of the grave as the wreathed casket containing his grandfather is lowered, the dark haired guy reaches out with one hand for Holly's and gives it a squeeze, offering and taking much needed comfort from the touch. Although George was his paternal grandfather, he was kind and compassionate to both Adam and Holly. Ever since his father divorced Holly, they tried to meet up as much as they could developing a strong bond between them. Sadly, lately these chances to meet up were not as much as they would like due to real life kicking in, like Adam being away at college, Holly's crazy work schedule and subsequently George's failing health.

The service in the church was pleasant and George would be proud. The sun lit stained glass windows gave the church a soft warmth, the flower arrangement was stylish and and the sermon was soothing. Unfortunately you could cut the atmosphere with the knife and it is the same here at the cemetery. Standing opposite Adam and Holly are the other members of the family, all of them stony faced. Often the sun glinted on not so discreet glances at mobile phones and gaudy watches. It is plaintively obvious that they are only here for the reading of the will following the wake. If it wasn't for this, Adam knows that half of them wouldn't even turn up out of duty if it wasn't for seeing how they the family fortune is being divided up and checking that they will get what they feel entitled to and heaven forbid if they had their eyes set on something and it wasn't passed down to them.

Adam's attention is drawn to a girl standing beside them, glimpsing pink locks underneath her black hat, apart from the fact that she too is genuinely upset he has a strong feeling that he recognises her from somewhere.

 

[Frogger]

Dark clouds churn high above, providing the perfect forbidding atmosphere to this… very sad occasion. It weighs heavy on Holly's heart. A brisk breeze whipped through the cemetery, shaking the nearest trees… and several leaves snapped off, whirling off to destinations unknown. Under the… suffocating sorrow was an anticipation of sorts… a restless excitement that makes Holly sick to her stomach. Does no one else care George is gone? It nearly chokes her now, just considering a future without his gentle guidance, his love, his warmth. George was a wonderful man -despite the man his son has become. Oh, speaking of… Holly's expression darkened as her ex-husband pushed his way to the front, his face grim… dark eyes intent on the lowering casket. Not one strand of his golden blonde was out of place. Jack's black suit -most likely Armani or some other expensive name brand Holly isn't too familiar with- was tailored to fit his built frame perfectly… a fact she didn't find the least bit surprising.

Image means everything… but it didn't always. In fact, Holly remembers a time when Jack didn't give a damn what other people thought of him.

At seventeen, college just meant more sitting behind a desk, more hours spent agonizing over homework. Holly was two years younger, so it wasn't as urgent, but Jack's family didn't give him a choice in the matter. It was awful, and yet they had no power to change the way things were. No one ever does at that age. Jack ran off to college just a few short weeks after graduation, leaving her alone to endure the last two years… alone. Long-distance relationships are notoriously known to be… difficult, to often end in disaster and heartbreak, but they fought against the odds. Holly used to drive up the coastline every couple of weeks to see her boyfriend… and he’d make arrangements to come down, too. It worked for a long time and, after graduation, Jack joined his family’s pharmaceutical company. Everything was lining up perfectly… or so it seemed.

Holly and Jack married while she was still enrolled in college. It was a beautiful ceremony, peaceful and quiet, with only their family and friends in attendance. It wasn’t an extravagant affair but, back then, they didn’t want it to be.

Once she’d managed to get her two year degree, Holly decided not to pursue any higher education. As his wife, it was her duty to look after the home they built together… to nurture and raise the newest member of their family. Jack went to work. It was his job to provide, and provide he did. It wasn’t until Adam had turned six years old that things began to change… and not necessarily for the better.

Jack had acquired a taste for the finer things in life, while Holly was left chasing a toddler about the house and struggled to keep up with the laundry. A step up the corporate ladder didn’t help, either. In fact… it fed his ambition, so much so he left his wife to pursue a beautiful blonde almost half his age. Jack had her served with not just divorce papers, but custody papers as well. Holly has no idea why he felt… compelled to fight for full custody over Adam. It didn't make very much sense back then, and it still doesn't fifteen years later. All Holly knows is… that she barely recognizes the man she married and had a son with, even though he hasn't changed a single bit. Well. No, scratch that. Jack doesn't have his latest flavor of the month hitching along for the ride.

Tossing a single white rose into the open grave, Holly breathed deep in an attempt to stifle the tears threatening to spill. Right now, Adam needs her more than anything… even if it means she has to wait until later to grieve. "Are you going to be alright?" Holly murmured to Adam, keeping her voice low so her words will reach him and no one else. Heaven Forbid if any of George's nieces or nephews happens to hear her. Jack just so happens to be one of many… arrogant, greedy raccoons hiding in the shadows… desperate to snatch up anything shiny and valuable. “Do you need a moment? It will be a little longer before we leave to… return to George’s home…” Holly twisted to look up into her son’s face, ever so slowly rubbing his back. In a sharp black blazer, a smart but sexy matching pencil skirt, and a navy blue blouse… Holly is beautiful in a subtle, understated sort of way. All her raven-black hair is gathered up off the back of her neck in a messy bun, though several strands managed to escape somehow or another to brush against her pale cheeks.

Grey eyes blinked once, twice, looking up at long last to drink in the sight of several unfamiliar faces… no, wait. Has she seen that guy before-? Annalise lifted a hand to adjust the black hat she chose to wear to this funeral, just to push her glasses up the bridge of her nose a heartbeat later. Everyone else seems… grim, and sad enough… but these two seem genuinely heartbroken George is gone. Maybe it's just better to mind her own business… Annalise isn't part of the family, after all… not biologically, anyway. George would have denied it in a millisecond, however… he was a man of great integrity. No one else accepted her into the warmth of their home after she was disowned. It was only because of him Annalise dared to dream of a life her parents has not planned in advance.

"Excuse me," Annalise spoke up, albeit quietly. To be respectful, Annalise chose to wear black. It was not too difficult to locate something suitable in her closet… and yet it was, in a way. Doing so was like admitting he was gone, and standing here beside his final resting place was chipping away at her heart. Never again will they be able to joke or laugh with George, or have the honor of working alongside him in the restaurant. Annalise swallowed past the lump in her throat, hands brushing over the skirt of her dress nervously. Why is she finding it so hard to breathe-? Blinking back tears, the young woman sucked in a deep breath in order to calm and soothe her heavy heart. "Do… I know you?"

 

[Ranser]

Seeing his father standing directly opposite him is a tough pill to swallow for Adam. Memories came flooding back, hardly any good ones remain, drowned in the broken promises, the lies, the hardship his mother endured and worst of all the pain that he put her through. Adam could almost tolerate and forgive the times when Jack and he were supposed to go to a ball game, go fishing together and even to be collected from school when he was young only to be let down brutally. After while it was hard to muster any enthusiasm and by his 14th, Adam didn't even pack a bag because he knew he was going to be let down. However, what raises a bitter taste. is the number of times he heard his mom crying when she thought he had gone to bed and was asleep. Adam lets out a deep breath which releases some tension and becomes aware of a hand rubbing his back as he turns to face Holly. A weak smile readily comes to his lips as she looks up at him and he gazes into her eyes for a moment, easily seeing her own hurt. He gently places his hand on her back for a moment and answers just as softly, "I'm ok thanks" he feels like asking her the same but knowing how she is, she will deny it too, but his gaze is soft and his eyes searching. George was good to her ever since he was aware and he just knows she will be feeling it too as the lone rose floated to its resting place.

The vicar said the last few words, closed the bible and brought the ceremony to an end, allowing them to talk normally. Adam thinks for a moment, as he studied the enigmatic young woman, "Were you at college studying catering or something? I think you were involved in some really fancy meal for some celebrity and were all over the college's website for quite awhile. I could practically lick the photos off the screen it looked that good." He has no idea how she could remember him, he thought he was just a normal guy who spent most of his days throwing a softball around on the grounds or had his nose buried in a laptop. Maybe he might have seen her when he did a little routine at the comedy bar but that is about it as far as he is aware. But there was something else, nagging him at the back of his mind, something about one of the lectures he had to go to... The really annoying one which meant he had to practically run across campus to get to it as he had a business law immediately prior to it in the legal wing.

He thinks for a moment, knowing that his cousins will be around at the wake, they would have already prejudged her, putting a dollar sign on every piece of clothing that she is wearing - he has long since become accustomed to their antics - and would hate to see her being subjected to that alone. He asks, "Are you going to the wake? Want to catch a ride with us?"

Adam takes a moment to speak to the vicar for a moment, thinking him for the nice service before turning to Holly, "Mom this is...." he blushes.

 

[Frogger]

Relief swept through her, like a wave crashing against the shore. Holiday has always feared she wasn't the best mother to Adam… especially since Jack left much to be desired, as both a father and a husband. It is just… difficult to fulfill both roles. All she's ever been able to do is… be there for Adam, in any way she can. "Good," Holiday replied on a sigh, taking comfort in the hand offering her nothing but love and support. Holiday was fixing to say something else, but Adam's attention went elsewhere… leaving her to struggle with her heavy heart alone. Dark blue eyes studied the crowd gathered here today under the pretense of mourning… and yet, very few people here are wearing the signs of grief. Yes, everyone is in black or the darkest of blues… but instead of their expressions a little hollow, a little shell-shocked… their eyes are bright, full of an excited anticipation. It makes her sick to think this is George's family, one of the sweetest men she's ever known.

How is it possible that he's related to these… these… these people?

Annalise gave a ghost of a smile, heat rising to her pale features. It was a lovely red, a nice contrast against the pink of her hair, the grey of her eyes. A hand lifted to nudge the glasses perched on her nose back up, that way she can see him better. "I have to say, I am surprised anyone remembers my name," she confessed, the words hinting at amusement. "I came up with the concept, but my professor stole all the fame and glory." Annalise is not holding a grudge, but it does not mean she has forgiven him either. There are other ways of rekindling a career without using a promising student's talent. "It did, however, get my name out there," she continued with a small shrug, musing this. "Most chefs have no reputation to speak of after college." Annalise offered a wry little smile this time, though this time, she did laugh softly under her breath. "Sorry. I am… rambling." As if in annoyance -or maybe it was displeasure-, Annalise's nose crinkled. Why did she decide to share all that with him-?

"You just look very familiar… I wish I can remember from where." Annalise usually had her nose buried in notes, or a textbook… so it is not very surprising she is having trouble placing him. During college, she did not waste precious studying time with socializing. It was more important to memorize different techniques, or to practice. Annalise tilted her head, analyzing his expression, his features… only to have her thoughts scatter when her hat nearly slides off. A hand darted up to catch the thing, though, before it could fall. His next words had her blinking… surprise bright in those dark eyes. It was not very long until a smile curved the corners of her lips. "You are just as kind and thoughtful as George was," Annalise shared, eyes warm. "I do plan on going to the wake, yes." Unfortunately, she did come alone. Kat had wanted to tag along, but with the restaurant so short-staffed as it is… they are more than likely struggling with just one person gone.

Tension began to arise, infused with an awkwardness which seems hardly impenetrable. Holiday looked back and forth between the two, a little bemused. Annalise bit her lip, anxiety swelling inside her until she thought she might burst… or implode. Almost as though she could sense the girl's distress, Holiday offered not just a smile, but a hand to shake. "My name is Holiday," she introduced herself, "but everyone except my grandmother calls me Holly. Don't worry, I don't bite." Much. It goes without saying. Annalise's nerves melted a little under the warmth of her kindness, and, with a soft laugh, took the hand into her own. "I-I hope not. My name is Annalise. I often go by the name Anna, though. Ah… Your son told me I can catch a ride with you to the wake?"

"Oh, of course! Just don't mind the mess in the back. I haven't had time to clean it out." Holiday led the way down the grassy hill to where a cluster of cars wait below. An old, almost pathetic excuse of a Camry, rustic red, was off to the side away from the others. Lights blinked as Holiday unlocked the vehicle. "Climb in," she invited the young woman. "Feel free to move anything that's in your way. I don't mind." Holiday knows it's a disaster in the backseat. No matter how many times she's jotted it down somewhere, or made a mental note to clean out her car… life just kept getting in the way. It definitely doesn't help that, recently, Holiday spent four, five nights out of seven in the car… just passed out from exhaustion. The bakery demanded more of her attention, more of her time… and Adam has scolded her more times than she can count.

 

[Ranser]

Adam smiled softly as Anna started chatting 10 to the dozen or so it seemed, a hint of gentle amusement rose to his eyes as she raised a hand to catch her hat, definitely that same girl who he remembered from that class back in college with the same cutesy awkwardness about her. He reflects back to a couple of times, once being when she left something behind at her seat and the other time, a brief discussion at a campus coffee shack when she was a few cents short of the drink that she ordered and didn't want to break into a $20 for less than a dime. He was going to introduce himself but Holly stepped forward before he could, the occasion putting him into second gear and more than oblivious to the kind words and warm eyes which she was giving him.
The tall dark youth watched the pleasantries between the two women with bemusement, instinctively standing so close to Holly, their arms and hips brushing against each other and no room for a cigarette paper between them.

Adam took an extra moment to have one last farewell, choking back his emotions and he took the minute for himself and to take a deep breath. A quick look around, Holly and Anna were already making their way down the manicured grassy hill leading down to the service road, he could already see one of the expensive hired limos already down the road and others ready to pull away, the relatives more than eager to hustle through the formalities and undoubtedly get to the will reading and head off home. Breaking out into a quick walk, Adam soon fell in step with Holly and Anna, instinctively slipping his arm around the waist of his mother, he heard the comment about the back seat of the car, until today when he rode with her did he realise how bad things had gotten, but today isn't the time to talk about this either.

Coming to the car, Adam lets his hand trails off her back as they part for the moment, before holding the door open for Anna grinning, "It's Adam by the way, we shared a home finance class..." He keeps the door open whilst she scoots the stuff on the back seat across and when she is done he watches the pink haired young lady slide in and closes the door behind her. Finally, he gets in the front and flashes Holly a smile, "Ready" as he buckles up.

Arriving at the family estate, the place looks immaculate as ever, and all of the prime spots in front of the front doors have already been taken by the rest of the family, however there is a nice spot near a side door which is still empty. The door which George referred to as the "friends and family door" which was always open. Adam shot Holly a warm smile before they got out of the door, checking to see how she is. He opened Anna's door and helped her out, and the three walked in together. Coming through the side door caught a lot of people off guard including a passing server who had full glasses on her silver platter.

 

[Frogger]

Everything looks exactly the same. It was heartwarming… and yet, heartbreaking, too, to face the reality that George is never going to put on a pot of coffee to share again… or shuffle inside after a hard day's work. Holly can remember the good times they've shared together under this roof… even after the divorce. Once she had severed her marriage, she was left with no family to speak of, besides her son… and yet, George still thought of her as part of his family. It didn’t matter she wasn’t, not in the eyes of his brothers and sisters, his many daughters and sons, or in the eyes of the law. George didn’t care what his family thought, either… even when nasty rumors began traveling down the proverbial grapevine. Holly swallowed down the tears threatening to spill, instead taking a deep breath to steady herself. Many eyes had already come to focus on her, some sharp with malicious disgust… others with greed.

Breathe, Holly. Just breathe. You have just as much of a right to be here as anyone else. Maybe more. George would have wanted you here. Just be polite, and take a seat… if there are any left. It’s not at all surprising that all the chairs are taken, which means they will have to stand up against the wall like the outsiders they are seen as. Lovely.

Holly snagged three flutes of champagne off that infuriatingly bright and shiny silver platter, very well aware of the repulsive and smug smirk written all over her ex-husband’s face. As tempting as it is to demand to know what he is so damn pleased about… the impulse to do so is not just fueled with anger, but grief and sorrow as well. It wouldn’t be fair to put everyone through that… especially during George’s wake. “Here you are,” Holly choked, distributing the other glasses to both Adam and Annalise. “How about we grab a plate before we settle in? I have a feeling this is going to take a while.” Already women are flocking to Jack’s latest lady love, gushing on and on about how beautiful she looks several months pregnant. It wouldn’t surprise Holly one bit if her water broke during the wake. No, no. Don’t go there. Deep breath… Holly did just that, although not without drinking all of her champagne.

Yes, it is very unladylike… but today, she needs a break from upholding society’s expectations.

Annalise hesitated before moving down the table, picking up a plate meanwhile. It looks as though whoever made the arrangements for George’s funeral spared no expense. All the finger sandwiches are top notch: cucumber and cream cheese, steak au poivre, olive focaccia, bresaola artichoke, mortadella and watercress… and is that five bottles of champagne? Annalise shook her head in disbelief, pink hair swaying back and forth against her jawline. Dessert is also provided: delicate little cakes of chocolate and strawberry and vanilla lathered in buttercream. It all looks so fancy… almost as though it is a meal meant for royalty instead of lowly peasants. Is this how someone in this family mourns the death of a loved one-?

“May I have everyone’s attention, please?” An older man, fifty-something, was standing in front of the fireplace, prim and proper in a dusty grey suit. He was fit for his age, as though he used to play sports when he was younger, shoulders held back with an arrogant pride Annalise recognized almost immediately. This here was a man born and raised with money, a man that doesn’t have to work very hard to get what he wants out of life… and who is not afraid to step on other people if it comes down to it. “My name is Mr. Clarke Conway,” he announced, lifting his head up high. “I will be reading Mr. Fowler’s will in just a few minutes, so I suggest everyone visit the, ah…” At a loss on what to say next, a hand gestured towards the table piled high with alcohol and food to supply the words that were eluding him. “Don’t take too long, though.”

Dark blue and grey eyes swept through the room… both contemplative, though for very different reasons. Annalise hesitated before indulging herself in a sip of champagne… pleasantly surprised at the almond flavor teasing her tongue. It was bubbly and light, not at all what she anticipated, and… is that a note of orange and white cherry she is tasting? Fascinating. Daring to take another, Annalise went on to sample what was on her plate, only to find the sandwich dreadfully dull. In fact… she would even go so far as to say the caterer leaves much to be desired. Come on! Is it too much to ask for a few crushed peppercorns on the steak au poivre? Or parsley on the olive focaccia? A little goes a long way… especially on sandwiches as small as these. Holly herself wasn’t very impressed, and with all sorts of thoughts weighing heavy on her mind, she had no qualms about drinking more than one flute.