Chapter #7 - "Unanswered Letters"

Ariel’s twentieth birthday officially signaled her entry into adulthood and the beginning of her rein as the Legacy heir.



Ariel no longer feared growing older. She resolved to put her teenage rebellion behind her and assume her adult responsibilities with purpose, determination, and enjoyment.



That night, as the guests attending Ariel’s birthday party departed, the family made a campfire in their backyard and sat around the fire pit roasting marshmallows and reminiscing about the past. Ariel’s heart was bursting with happiness, while her mother’s swelled with pride.




The next morning, Ariel knew what her first order of business as the Legacy heir was. She had to break off her relationship with Brad. She found him at his father’s junk yard.

Before Ariel could say anything, Brad spoke: ”I know why you’re here. Just get it over with so we can put the past behind us.” He said curtly, without even looking her way.

“I’m sorry if I hurt you in any way, Brad. I guess we were never meant to be.” Ariel said, reaching out to touch him.

“Forget it. Just go! You may have been the first girl I actually ever liked, but no worries darlin’, you definitely won’t be the last. There are plenty of fish in the sea, just waiting to be reeled in by The Bradmeister!” Hearing Brad say those words, Ariel relaxed. He was returning back to his old self. He would endure their breakup just fine.




In fact, a week later, as Ariel was visiting the community pool, she spotted Brad lunching with another girl. He refused to meet her gaze and aside from deliberately putting on a flirting spectacle with his date, he did not acknowledge Ariel. She laughed at his immature demeanor and sent a friendly wave his way as she exited the pool.



Things between Ariel and Sam were still strained, although the two were once again becoming close. Living in the same house with each other meant that they could not easily avoid interactions, but both of them worked hard to keep their feelings buried deep within.



In an attempt to turn over a new leaf as the Legacy Heir, Ariel decided it was time for her family to once again embark on a vacation. Her mother and step-father had been working very hard to help pay the bills and her brother had just completed his second year of high-school, therefore it was a perfect time for the family to get away and explore the beautiful country of Simgypt.



Everyone enjoyed the trip immensely.



Phoenix and Leighton spent most of their time gazing at the stars or cuddling in the tent, reminiscing about their youth.



Ashton attempted to woo the tour guides and other locals, but due to his age he was often sent away with a laugh or a quick peck on the cheek if he was lucky enough to find a sympathetic lady.



Ariel spent most of her days exploring the crypts deep inside the pyramids, discovering small treasures. When she was not treasure-hunting, she was definitely on the prowl for the perfect guy!



And just like that, she found HIM! His name was Youssef, and he was absolutely perfect in every way.



Ariel spent the rest of her vacation in his small shop, learning everything there was to know about Youssef. For the first time since her childhood crush on Sam, she felt butterflies fluttering about her stomach when she looked and talked to a guy.



Ariel, of course, did more than just look and talk to Youssef. Kissing him was incomparable to any feeling she had ever experienced. Without a doubt, she was smitten.



Ariel spent so much time talking about Youssef to her family that Phoenix had to meet the man herself. She immediately took a liking to him and invited him to spend some time in Sunset Valley with them.

“Ariel will be more than happy to provide you with all the details before we leave.” Phoenix promised.



Unfortunately, the Legacies did not have time to say “Goodbye” to Youssef. Shorlty before they were due to return to Sunset Valley, Phoenix received a devastating telegram. Xander, her old lover, lifelong friend, and Ariel’s father had passed away. The family packed up all of their belongings and rushed back home to attend Xander’s funeral.



Months after Xander’s passing, Phoenix was still having trouble coping with the loss of her friend. After she and Xander broke up, she never continued to hold on to any romantic feelings for him. However, the two sustained quite a dynamic friendship throughout the years and Xander was always active in helping raise Ariel.



Ariel was dealing with her father’s death in a different way. She threw herself into her music, practicing every night.



She also tried to get in touch with Youssef, but unfortunately all of the letters she sent to him were returned, unopened. At the end of her wits, she decided to make a wish upon a wishing fountain. She wished to be able to once again see Youssef and continue where they left off.



In fact, her desire to be able to communicate with Youssef turned even more urgent and intense upon finding two blue lines on a pregnancy test. She wasn’t afraid of or disappointed by the pregnancy, but she felt that she could not be happy about it until Youssef knew.



Phoenix and Leighton were happy about the pregnancy news. They were getting on in years and wished to see their grandchild before they left the Sim World.

“You will not have to raise the child by yourself, Ariel. We will help with anything you need,” they promised.



Leighton took it upon himself to mail letters to Youssef every single day. The entire family was working to track down the future father and inform him of the pregnancy news.



Phoenix, on the other hand, took care of her daughter and her future grandchildren. During her first ultrasound, Ariel found out that she was expecting twins.



Even Sam was putting on an enthusiastic face for Ariel. He was very hurt and disappointed by the fact that she was going to give birth to another man’s children, especially a man who has not yet shown his face despite the numerous letters Ariel and Leighton had sent. However, Sam swallowed his pride and vowed to love and care for Ariel and the little ones no matter what.



Six months into her pregnancy, Ariel went into preterm labour.



As Phoenix escorted her daughter into the hospital, she feared the worst for Ariel and the babies.

Stay tuned for the next chapter to find out what happens to Ariel and the babies, as well as the rest of the Legacy family. Will the delivery go smoothly? Will Youssef ever respond to the letters?