2. Lucy Burb was concentrating on her breathing. Forget the world, and
everyone in it.
On top of yoga, jogging, pottery and gardening, Lucy enjoyed
meditating. She always claimed she hated sitting around, doing
nothing, despite the fact to many people that is exactly what
meditating looked like.
Carefully, sat on the floor, her focus still on her breathing.
3. Worst of all, Lucy hated it when someone broke her concentration.
She didn't notice her father cautiously stepping in the room.
“Lucy...I hate to interrupt,” he began, timidly, “but your guests are
here.”
“Too bad, I'm meditating.”
“I can see that but...you did invite them...”
4. Lucy's eyes snapped open, and she scowled, “Fine. Let me wrap it up,
and I'll be right there.”
5. “Lilith,” Clara began, the pair of them waiting on the doorstep of the
Burbs, “I'm not convinced I should be here...Lucy doesn't really like
me...and I told you about last night and Beau-”
“Shh. I invited you, it's fine. Now be quiet, someone is coming.”
Lilith and Clara were invited into the home of the Burb family after that.
6. Lilith and Clara were shown to the sofas where they waited patiently,
Clara continuously attempting to hold conversation under her breath
while Lilith shushed her.
Eventually, Lucy walked in, “Hello Lil- I didn't realise I invited Clara
too.”
Clara could feel herself blushing, but Lilith remained firm, “Well, she's
my friend, she's Beau's friend, it seemed natural she should be a part
of this now she's staying in Pleasantview.”
“Beau's friend?” Lucy asked, interested, taking her seat.
7. “If my presence really bothers you, I'll go-”
“I'm sure it's fine.” Lilith smiled, turning to Lucy, “Right?”
Clara felt horribly awkward. She wasn't keen on Lilith's idea of
including her in the wedding plans, especially after everything Beau
had said on the night before.
8. “Well, anyway, I decided on the cake I liked, and Lilith, because your
sister is investing in a bakery, I wondered if you could make the cake
for me.”
“Where is your logic in that?” Lilith asked, sourly.
9. “Sure, my sister can cook, but I set fire to house while making toast.
I'm really not the best person to ask...” Lilith frowned.
“I can cook a little.” Clara offered.
10. “I didn't ask for your help, Clara! I asked Lilith!” Lucy snapped, making
Clara jump.
Clara just shrugged and leaned back into her seat on the sofa.
11. “Lucy, you can't treat Clara like that! She's the new girl in town, and
offered to do something really nice for you!” Lilith yelled, “you're not
going to accept her help just because she's been gossiped about and
is friends with Beau?”
Lucy studied Lilith silently for a moment.
12. “Fine, fine, Clara and you can make the cake,” Lucy said, thoughtfully,
“I have the design I want picked out. You haven't got long, the wedding
has been moved forwards.”
“Why?”
Lucy grinned, “I can't wait for the rest of my life! It starts tomorrow!”
13. Back at home, Clara began preparing to bake. Lilith wandered straight
past, eyes on the stereo.
“Aren't you going to help?” Clara smiled, knowing what the answer
would be.
“I told you, I can't even make toast.”
“I don't have a cake recipe. I can only really make pie...” The doorbell
went as Clara pulled her hands out of the water.
“So Lucy will get a wedding pie instead of a wedding cake, simple as,”
Lilith grinned, “I think I'm going to dance instead of cook.”
14. “Beau...hi there...” Clara found herself slightly puzzled at Beau's
presence, “What can I do for you?”
“Well,” Beau began, “someone told me that Lucy turned you and Lilith
into our caterers.”
15. “I figured that a wedding cake is a big ask, so I came by to help out.”
“Well, we're making a wedding pie now, instead,” Clara smiled, “you're
welcome to come help, if you want.”
16.
17.
18.
19.
20. “Do you think she'll notice it's shop-bought?” Clara asked, with a smile.
Beau nodded.
“Probably. But it's perfect, right?”
Clara observed the cake, “Yeah. It really is.”
“Then Lucy will love it.”
21. “Thank you, Clara.” Beau said, softly, taking her hands.
“It's nothing.” Clara shrugged, glancing at their hands.
“It wasn't.”
22. Carefully, he pulled her close.
“Why do you keep doing this?” Clara questioned, quietly, “You're
getting married tomorrow.”
Beau dithered, contemplatively, “Clara, I...the wedding...I'm not sure
about the wedding...”
“Since when?” She demanded.
24. “You're turning me into the 'other woman', Beau.” Clara said silently.
Again, Beau said nothing, and shared with her another smile, and
another kiss.
25. Don was thoughtful. For the past few hours, he had done nothing
more than think for the past few hours.
“If you ask me, he's lost in.” Someone commented.
26. Dina and Nina stood behind Don, contemplating his dazed state. Dina
whispered to her sister, “He's only been like that since that new girl
moved to town.”
“Yeah, Lilith was telling me she heard from Lucy who heard from
Cassandra that the new girl had caught Don's eye.” Nina remarked,
sourly.
“She is kind of striking,” Dina commented, earning herself a glare from
Nina, “er, I mean, Don should never have turned his attention from
you.”
27. “You're right, we are engaged.” Nina smiled.
“Nina, you've been engaged since before Mortimer Goth died,” Dina
pointed out, uncomfortably, “neither of you want to get married, why
are you bothering?”
“It just makes him mine.”
“Yours, and the rest of Pleasantview's, as well.” Dina muttered. Nina
rolled her eyes.
28. “You'll never guess what I heard from Dustin,” Nina whispered, “Lilith
told him Beau's been sneaking around with that new girl.”
“Really? I doubt that.”
“It's true! Lilith is really good friends with the girl.”
29. “Don will have no problem if she's sneaking around with married
guys.” Dina sniggered. Nina let out a laugh.
“Should make the wedding tomorrow interesting,” Nina stated, “but
then again, I feel bad for Lucy.”
“That's bad. But I agree,” Dina covered her mouth, “we are so going to
the wedding.”
Silently, Don got up and headed into the kitchen, where his children
were playing peacefully.
30. “Are you okay, Daddy?” Alice Caliente, Nina's daughter, asked.
Anthony Caliente, Dina's son, headed over.
“Daddy's feeling...different, shall we say?” Don smiled, “It doesn't
mean I love you two any differently, though.”
Alice grinned, and took her Dad's hands, “We love you too, Daddy.”
31. The afternoon was just arriving when many members of the
Pleasantview community sat down, waiting to see the wedding of the
year.
Not everyone was invited of course, Lucy had her favourites, but Clara
had found herself dragged along by Lilith, regardless of whether or not
she had been invited.
32. Beau stood at the alter in the clothes Lucy had chosen, feeling sick.
He was pretty sure it wasn't just regular wedding nerves, either.
The music started up, and Beau took his place, closing his eyes as his
bride-to-be walked towards him.
33. “Are you ready?” Lucy mouthed, smiling radiantly as she arrived at
Beau's side.
Unable to say anything, Beau just nodded, feeling his stomach flip.
34. Beau couldn't hear Lucy reciting her vows with perfect precision,
couldn't feel the stare of Pleasantview watching him.
All of his emotions, all of his senses, were focused on that little golden
'o' heading towards his ring finger...
35. “Beau?” Lucy asked, surprised, as his hand pulled away from hers.
He shook his head, eyes darting to capture the reactions of the
guests, blushing slightly at the reception he had caused.
36. “But it was going to be perfect...” Lucy murmured to herself, still
holding the ring, though Beau was gone, down the aisle, searching for
somone.
37. Clara watched Beau wander away from the alter, unsure of what to
think, what to say. She could already hear what everyone else had to
say.
“Poor Lucy...” Nina sighed, thinking of her own daughter back home.
Thinking of Don.
Dina was less reserved, “Seriously? What's happened to this town, no
one gets married any more.”
38. “Clara.” Beau breathed, as he arrived at her side and pulled her close.
Uncertainty filled the air.
“Beau, there are better ways to break up with people than at the alter
in front of the entire neighbourhood.”
“Not the entire neighbourhood...” Beau began. But Clara pulled away
and left the wedding, “Clara! Wait!”
39. Clara wandered around on her balcony, head full of thoughts. She had
seen Beau wandering up her front path. She knew he would let
himself in, knew he would try and talk about it.
She heard his footsteps behind her before she turned round to face
him.
40. “Clara-”
“Beau, if going to try and explain the entire day rationally, you had better
think again.” Clara stated, in a sweet voice. Beau swallowed, and tried to
again.
“You know that feeling you get when you just know something is right?”
Beau asked, quietly. Clara nodded, “I only just realised this
morning...that's the way you make me feel, Clara.”
Clara couldn't help but smile.
41. “Beau, that's all very well, but we can't be together right now.”
“Why not?” He asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Pleasantview...it's small...people will talk about it...”
“So? They get over gossip pretty quickly,” Beau smiled, “besides, it's
less scandalous than an affair with Mr Lotherio.”
Clara blushed, “That's not the point. You broke up with Lucy at her
wedding just this morning. No one is going to be able to forget that for
a while.”
42. “I don't mind, Clara. I want to be Mr Robinson.”
Clara peered over her shoulder and saw the wedding furniture still set
up in the Burb's garden. She looked back to Beau, “We will always be
able to see that, Beau. Can you cope with seeing Lucy's heartbreak
from every window on this side of the house?”
“No,” Beau answered, truthfully, “but I will deal with the guilt. You don't
have to worry about it.”
“Beau...”
43. Beau sunk down onto one knee, bringing a smile to Clara's face,
despite everything.
“Clara, it's too soon, too complicated, too scandalous, but I don't care,”
Beau grinned, “I don't want life without you. Marry me?”
Clara hesitated, thinking logically about it.
“My mind is saying to me to say no...”
44. “But my heart is saying yes.” Clara finished, and took the ring from the
box.
45. “I don't want a wedding ceremony,” Clara stated, holding up the ring
with a smile, “I don't want all of Pleasantview watching. I don't want to
wait.”
“You don't want a lot, do you?” Beau joked, but added cheerfully,
“Then let's get married right now.”
48. “I'm glad you didn't leave me at the alter, Beau.” Clara said, peacefully.
“We didn't have an alter for me to run from.” Beau pointed out,
playfully.
“You know what I meant.”
49. Later, as dawn began to peer through their windows, Clara turned to
Beau.
“Don't leave.” She murmured. There was fear in her voice, fear Beau
presumed had been caused by Don.
“I never will.” He promised, and Clara relaxed.
51. Clara soon began showing signs of pregnancy, which she had found
surprising.
The next generation of Robinsons were on their way.
52. For the most part, life went on as normal despite the pregnancy. Beau
went to work while Clara was on maternity leave, bills were paid, the bin
was knocked over.
“Lucy will get bored of this one day.” Beau muttered, spraying yet
another crowd of cockroaches.
53. But Lucy didn't get bored of knocking over the bin or stealing the
paper, and Clara didn't get tired of stomping on cockroaches, despite
the fact it made her feel worse.
“Why won't she just stop?” Clara sighed, “Knocking over the rubbish
won't bring Beau back.”
54. The couple tried their best to forget about it, but it certainly wasn't
easy.
“So,” Beau began, quietly, as they woke up on a beautiful morning,
“the baby is due today.”
“Mmm Hmm.” Clara agreed, peacefully.
Beau smiled, sleepily, “I can't wait to meet them.”
55. The birth came round late in the evening after an uneventful day of
reading and sleeping.
“Beau!” Clara yelled, knowing he was home.
“I'm in the bath! Can it wait?” Beau called back.
56. The pain got worse, “BEAU, IT REALLY CAN'T WAIT!”
In the bathroom, Beau finally caught on to what was happening, “OH! I
will be right there!”
57. Beau ran out of the bathroom in his robe, and hid behind the banisters
of the staircase, smiling as he watched his wife deliver their baby.
“I have no useful advice to offer, I'm sorry!” He called across to Clara.
She gasped, and with one final shriek of pain, brought their child into
the world.
58. “Beau, come meet our daughter, she's beautiful,” Clara said,
awestruck, “Our little Riley...”
Welcome Riley Robinson.
59. At the Caliente household, Lucy was stood in front of Nina and Don,
irritated.
“I don't see what any of this has to do with me.” Lucy said, sourly.
“Easy,” Nina smiled, “my Don here needs Beau out of the picture. You
need Beau. I think we can come to an agreement.”
“Why does your Don need Beau out of the picture?” Lucy asked. Nina
let out an exasperated sigh, and wandered away. She didn't like Don's
obsession with the new girl.
60. Don rose from his chair, “I may be engaged to Nina, but it's an open
relationship. And I'm really interested in that Clara girl, if you get me.”
“Why should I help you get a girl?” Lucy demanded.
“Easy,” Don smiled, and Lucy noticed his handsomeness, “because
that will leave Beau single for you.”
“Beau doesn't want me anymore.” Lucy stated, simply.
61. “I know someone who is interested in you.” Don said, seductively. Lucy
froze.
“I am not interested in you, Don. I knew getting involved with you lot
was a bad idea.” Lucy frowned.
“Look, visit again in a few days, and I will show you why it is wise to
work with 'us lot', Lucy,” Don smiled, “have a good night.”
With that, Don wandered upstairs to join Nina, while Lucy left the
house, contemplating what Don had said.
62. Days later, at Clara's home, it was time for Riley's birthday.
“Lilith...what is your husband doing?” Clara questioned, watching Dirk
dance by the stereo.
“Ignore him,” Lilith said, playfully, “come on! I want to meet the little girl!”
63. “She's adorable!” Clara announced, holding her baby girl as the
Dreamers moved in for cake. Beau nodded once, from across the
room, a grin fixed on his face.
Riley giggled, and pointed at her Dad, while Clara set her down
carefully to cut the cake, content with her lot.
64. That evening, curiosity had gotten the better of Lucy Burb, and she
was back at the Caliente house.
“I'm here. Now tell me why I am.”
Don rose from his chair, “Follow me.”
65. Don led Lucy over to an area where four coolers of elixer were kept,
glowing green and unused.
“The rumours were true.” Lucy gasped, observing the tanks.
“Of course,” Don murmured, “but Pleasantview put their own spin on it.
I didn't steal the recipe. When Dina married him, she took the recipe,
thinking only of its value.”
66. “So you're innocent.” Lucy repeated, staring Don in the eye.
“Yeah,” Don dropped his gaze to the floor, “but I get the blame
because I break hearts and fool around with married women.”
67. “I couldn't let Dina take the rap for stealing the formula,” Don said,
thinking carefully, “that would have hurt Nina far more than any of my
affairs.”
Lucy smiled slightly, “You're surprising.”
“Aren't I?” Don laughed a little, “You can live beyond your time if you
join us.”
68. And this is where I leave you! Cruel, aren't I? :P
But first! Some information on Riley:
Riley Robinson
2/8/10/3/4
Gemini
Anyway! Join me next time for more babies and more plot!
Thanks for reading!