The End

The Sunset Valley Gazette:

A tragedy struck our town today, the Legend family was involved in a horrific tragedy. A young man entered the Legend household posing as a client for the legendary Billie L. He then killed Billie and the rest of the family, including the young heiress Lucy.

Lucy’s boyfriend Teddy was distraught at the news. When news reporter Trisha June interviewed the young man he cried  as he said  “We were going to get married…she was pregnant!”

Miles and Ella Legend attended the family funeral of their parents, sibling and young niece.

Ella was stylish as usual and accompanied by her elderly second husband Gerald.

Miles and his wife Maureen were accompanied by their young son Hector.

John Legend and his wife Elena attended the funeral with their son’s Shad and Shayne.

John Legend gave you the eulogy for the family. His speech was short but beautiful:

There is nothing sadder in this world then when a father must bury his child. In this case I am burying my only daughter..my little girl. Anastasia was a wonderful daughter and heiress. She was an asset to this community not only as an artist or a sculptor but as a person.

My grand-daughter, Billie, was famous in this town for her ability to create styles. She was the one you reporters always followed around. She only had one daughter and unfortunately Lucy’s life was cut short.

The Legend Legacy has come to a close…that is the funny thing about legacies…they always end.

Tears streamed down his wrinkled cheeks and John refused to comment any further.

A man later identified as Deron, father of Lucy, stood in the shadows of the graveyard as the funeral processed on. When the funeral had ended he walked to the grave of his only child and placed a single white rose on her grave. He then walked to Billie’s grave and kissed the headstone before leaving.

A few days after the funeral, police arrested Ella Legend. It was discovered she had paid the man to kill her parents, sibling and niece. When press asked Miles if he would take over the legacy he looked at his young son as he said the following statement “Let this legacy stay buried..it has caused to much pain, misery and now jealousy. Let it die so that now we may live. We were once legends but our time has come to an end.”

Dear Readers,

This legacy ended because the legacy file became corrupt after I converted to ambitions. Thank you so much for all your comments and reading. I hope you stick with me because..  I started a new legacy:

theeverlastinglegacy.wordpress.com

Now you see it

(Before I update tonight, I wanted to share a post I never published)

Lucy:

I tried again to get to know my dad. I invited him over a few days after our last disaster reunion. I told him that he had really hurt my feelings last time. I tried to explain to him that I just wanted to get closer to him.

He scratched his head and muttered “I have to get going I think its going to rain.”

I looked around and rolled my eyes as I turned to face him. ” There isn’t even a cloud in the sky! ”

I looked at him sadly and whispered “If you don’t want to be around me just say so!”. I ran inside and slammed the door. I kept running until I reached my room and my tears were free to flow.

Billie:

I watched as Lucy ran up to her room. I looked out the window and saw Deron sigh deeply. I walked out side and called to him. He looked up in surprise and squinted as he said “Billie?”

I smiled softly and nodded. I asked him to explain what happened with Lucy. He sighed again and said “I’m a mess up at being a dad. I tried to stay away and just let you take care of her. You’ve done such a great job, she’s a smart kid.  I just don’t want to be the old foggy…every time she sees me I know she must think who is this old man?”

I frowned as I looked into Deron’s dismayed face. I never knew his looks and age bothered him this much.

I told him to follow me inside. I led him to my den and gave him a make-over.

He was in awe after I finished. He couldn’t stop thanking me and hugging me. I told him to go up to Lucy’s room and talk to her but he left instead. I realized it probably wasn’t his age or looks that held him from getting to know his daughter…he just didn’t care. After he left I cursed to myself when I realized I should have asked him about Ella. I shrugged my shoulders and whispered “next time”.

Lucy’s birthday came a few days after this occurrence. She didn’t want a party instead she just wanted to celebrate with family.

After her party I gave her a nice haircut and some makeup lessons.Lucy seemed to be listening because afterwords  she looked gorgeous.

I turned my back to get some blush and saw Lucy snatch some lip stick and slip it in her pocket. I asked her “What are you doing honey?”

She rolled her eyes and said “I didn’t do anything mom! Your eyes must be playing tricks on you!”

Decision..love or family

Miles:

Now that I was married to Maureen, I had never felt so happy!

We spent our honeymoon in Egypt, Maureen loved it. We were sent home quickly because I was being “inappropriate”. Psh, since when is running naked not appropriate, it wasn’t my fault I ran into those missionaries!

Maureen wasn’t happy…at all. I cheered her up by telling her it would all be better when we returned to Sunset Valley.

“Yea..I’m excited for us to start living our lives together!” I said softly as I kissed her cheek.

“So do you think we should begin looking for  a new house right away or  should we get an apartment first?” Maureen asked dreamily.

I looked at her and my face became serious as I said “Maur…we can’t leave the house. I might become heir and an heir can’t move out until their child is chosen as heir.”

Maureen sighed and her lips formed into a pout as she said “I wanted it to be just you and me…not the whole world. Your family is famous for its legacy and I admire it but I…I just can’t deal with it Miles.”

I stared into her beautiful eyes and freckled nose. I knew I had to make a choice…her or my family.

I got up from the bed and took out my cell phone. I dialed her number and said “Billie…Maureen and I were talking…I wish you the best as the undisputed heiress, good luck .”

I closed the phone and clenched it in my hand. I just sealed my fate…I was now a non-legacy family member…I had given up the press and the honor of being a Legend. I had never felt so….free

Billie:

Dad called me into his study, he said he had something important to tell me.

I walked in and said ” What’s up Daddy?”

Dad said “Honey I have something I have to tell you. I just got off the phone with our lawyer and he said..it is official Miles and Ella have given up their claim for heir. The money, the house all are still yours.”

I looked to the floor and grinned as I soaked in everything dad was saying.

I couldn’t believe I had won! It was over..

Lucy:

Uncle Miles announced formally to the press that I was the new heiress upon my 22nd birthday…which was only a week away. My mom was established as the current heiress.

I celebrated by buying myself a table so I can invent things.

I celebrated privately with Teddy later on…

Ally

Miles:

I didn’t understand why Maureen had rejected me, but I didn’t hold it against her. She was still my Sugar bear, she made me very happy.

I asked Billie for advice on how to get Maureen to marry me and she told me give her time. I did I waited month after month until I finally felt it was time and…she said yes!

After I slipped the platinum band on her finger, I asked “Maureen are you happy?”

She smiled and said “Of course honey!”

She held me tight and I sighed as I felt the warmth of her skin on mine….my Maureen.

Lucy:

I watched Uncle Miles and soon to be Aunt Maureen walking hand in hand out the door. Soon Uncle Miles would be getting married…I knew he would have to choose soon, heir or non heir.

Maybe his love for Maureen would make him want to move out and start his own life.  I hoped I would be heiress, I wanted to show my mom how to balance family and a career. I dreamed of inventing things and using my “swiper” skills to good use.

Sometimes I swiped things from the junk yard late at night. I would always wait until around 1am and then use mom’s Mercedes to speed over to the junk yard. When I walked through the scrap yard I would feel a rush of excitement

I waited so late so that the press wouldn’t see the famous Lucy Legend digging through trash.

Forget the press..what would my mom think?

Billie:

I offered my sister in law a makeover for her wedding. I even promised her a designer dress by D&G!

The end result was hands down my best makeover ever!

Maureen instantly turned to me and said “I look hot!”

It was then that Maureen and Miles decided to get married right then and there. Miles, inappropriate as always, got married in his boxers and undershirt. Yet Maureen didn’t mind and instead she shined.

I hoped Maureen would convince Miles to move out of the family house. When I was applying her make-up she told me she always dreamed of living in a nice cottage surrounded by her grandchildren. I took that as an opportunity to plant ideas in her head. I told her that when she married Miles, if he becomes heir, she’ll be surrounded by press and people. I hoped that would be enough for her to deter Miles.

I had an ally!

My mother’s daughter

Billie:

Miles had always been inappropriate.. all his life. Teachers would always call home to mom saying that Miles had flashed the cheerleaders or burped in the principal’s face. It shouldn’t have surprised our family when Miles proposed to Maureen after only weeks of dating…though it surprised him when she rejected.

Maureen told Miles “Its only been a few weeks honey. Give us some time.” Maureen said softly as she patted Miles clenched hands.

Miles frowned in confusion as he looked into Maureen’s blue eyes. I closed my eyes as I pictured Miles exploding or doing something inappropriate. Instead I heard silence, I peeked through my long lashes and saw Miles nod his head as he smiled. Maybe Maureen was the best thing for him. She might even be able to get Miles to renounce his claim for heir.

Lucy:

It was my 18th birthday today! I skipped school and brought myself a cake to blow out at the park. I should be with my family but I couldn’t stand to be around them; they were always fighting or not talking to one another.  Mom and Miles seemed more like strangers then siblings and Grandpa and Grandma were confused on how to handle the situation.

I just needed to get away.

I sighed as I stared at the buttercream cake, it was now cold and the candles were no longer aflame. I was officially a young adult..this should have been the day that I was declared heiress but instead our legacy was in limbo. I tried hard to hold back the tears that were burning to be shed. I sniffed and wiped my nose…in that moment I wish I had Teddy here.

“Are you okay Lulu?”

I turned around sharply and was surprised to see my dad.

I gasped and mumbled “Gotta go…see ya”

I caught a taxi and asked him to take me home as soon as possible. I wasn’t prepared to deal with the father who I hadn’t seen in years. I just needed..space. I ran inside the house and screamed “MOM!”, I was greeted with silence…figures.

I hunched my shoulders and walked into mom’s den. Her make up table was scattered which meant she probably was out at a last minute makeover. I glanced around and stared longingly at the beautiful gowns on hangers.  I stepped up to her three way mirror and stared at myself in the mirror.

I searched for some resemblance to my mom or even my dad…but I couldn’t find anything. She was beautiful and stylish while I was just bleh. I sighed and was about to turn around when the twinkle of mom’s compact caught my eyes. I decided…why not give myself a make over?!

I looked in the mirror as I closed screwed the lipstick closed. I batted my eyelashes and felt a light brush from my bangs against my forehead. I was beautiful, I was sexy…I was Billie’s daughter

The Legend..Billie

Lucy:

My mom Billie Legend is famous in our town. I don’t know if any of you know her…but all of my neighbors and friends do. Some of you might think Wow that is so cool…but it isn’t. Everything I do is compared to her…

Grandma and Grandpa tell me that she was the tomboy in the family. They told me about her love of sports and writing. They told me about her tryst with Deron, my father.  The girls in my school rave about her style and how beautiful she is. I know most of my friends are only in my life so that they might be a little closer to the fashionista Billie Legend.

The only guy who really got me was Teddy Richardson. Teddy and I met in English class, he quoted Shakespeare word for word. He reminded me of Edward from Twilight when quoted Romeo and Juliet to Bella. We soon became fast friends and you could often catch him at my house.

Whenever life got to hard being a celebrity’s daughter or I just couldn’t take it anymore…he was there. I always had a smile on my face when I was near him.

We eventually became…a little more than friends.

Billie:

The legacy was being tied up in court until the judge could decide if I was the rightful heir. I tried to keep my mind on it by throwing myself into my work. I did successful makeovers for the wives of many politicians, even the senator of Sunset..Senator Green..

I even did a makeover for Sophie, my grandpa’s ex girlfriend.

Lucy:

My friend Darla, friend was a loose term, acquaintance would be better.  She and I had one thing in common, we were both kleptos. Every week we would find a new home or business to break into. It was the same routine every week.  Darla would text me around 12:00am and tell me the place she had chosen for us to break into.  Tonight she had chosen the old Landgrabb residence, it was recently sold to a new family because the Landgrabbs had gone broke.

Darla worked on the security system while I contemplated the best room to hit first!

Billie:

I was so surprised when Miles told us he had a girlfriend….Maureen.

Nothing shocked us more then when Miles told us…he wanted to marry her…

Torn

Billie:

Lia stared at me in shock as I said “We’re dating.”

She looked at me and then Deron. Lia slowly backed away as she said “You deserve each other.”

I looked toward Lia and saw her run to Ella who was lurking in the shadows. I gasped as I noticed the smirk on Ella’s face.

I looked at Deron and sighed.

“You finally decided to tell them that the high and mighty Billie Legend is the mistress of Deron Uley a mechanic.” Deron said with a smirk.

I rolled my eyes and said ” Shut up”

“How great..I’ve had almost all of the Legend sisters!” Deron said with a devious smile.

I gasped and said “Why do I have to love a mean spirited idiot!”

I walked away and said “This time it really is over…asshole.” As I heard the crunch of grass beneath my feet, Deron’s chuckled filled my ears. I blocked him out and wondered how had I become this messed up? Where is the little tomboy who loved to chat on the computer…when did she become a fashionista with an asshole boyfriend. When I had become a woman I would have despised if I had met her?

Ana:

My brown hair became a soft shade of gray. I pulled it back to make it easier to make my sculptures.

I was highly renowned in town as Anastasia Legend the painter and sculptor. All my life I wanted to help others and make a difference…I have achieved that. I had five beautiful children and one lovely grand-daughter who will inherit our legacy. Now I wanted nothing more then to live happily ever after with the love of my life…Eyan.

I had been so astounded by how much Miles had grown, he looked so similar to Eyan.

He let his hair grow into a shaggy bob. I quickly forced Billie to style it into something manageable. Though his hair was the only thing Miles listened to me about. I almost had a heart attack when Miles came home with a ghostbusters suit. He had gotten a job as a ghost hunter! I worried about that boy…

Life seemed to be happening so fast. I  caught myself visiting my dad, John, more often now that he was in his 90s.

Eyan and I weren’t getting any younger either. I was excited when Eyan had finally become in charge of the bistro. He was promoted to Executive Chef and immediately retired. I was happy to have my husband all to myself.

After Eyan and I had “celebrated”, I called the girls together to discuss the legacy.

Billie:

Mom called us all into the dining room to discuss choosing an heir.

“Mom maybe we should go on a trip to celebrate! We could go to Paris!” I squealed.

“Honey focus! We need to discuss the choosing on an heiress!” Mom said slowly with a stern look.

“What is there to discuss Grandma, I thought it was automatic. I’m the only child of the heiress, therefore I’m the new heiress on my 18th birthday right?” Lucy asked.

“Usually that would be the case but…Ella is contesting the heiress decision. I just received notice in the mail that Ella has filed a suit saying Miles or herself should be heir.” Mom sighed.

“Mom she can’t do that! You made that decision over 15 years ago! She has been traveling all over the world why does she care now!” I yelled

“She has the ability to contest that Miles was only 8 years old when the heir was chosen. Therefore he wasn’t of age to be considered and now he is over 20 years old…” Ana said angrily in a tired voice.

“What are we going to do…Lucy should be heir!” I whined

“We will see…we’ll fight this. I just hope it doesn’t tear our family apart” Mom said sadly

Truth revealed

Billie:

I worked late into the night drawing fashion sketches and researching the latest trends. I would simply pin my hair up in a bun and draw until my hands ached.

I functioned on four hours of sleep and then slipped on my business suit to help clients. I was constantly on call to help aspiring writers and actresses get their wardrobe together. I would have to not only give them wardrobe advice but also critique everything about them.

The one joy I had was having a daughter. I entered the fashion world so that I could relate more to my daughter. I thought learning the newest trends would help Lucy and I to relate. I would always go home and try to experiment with Lucy’s hair to spruce up her look..

Lucy would smile softly and say thanks mom. Though the next time I would see her, her hair would be back to normal. The makeup would be wiped away and replaced with something subtle.

I sighed and cursed under my breath…what did she want from me? Why was it so hard to be a mother? My mom, Ana, was a natural at being one why couldn’t I? Maybe…it should have been Ella all along.

A few days later…

I threw a party for Miles’ birthday party a few days later. I called a few family members but the second people found out there was a party at the Legend mansion..everyone came!

My grandpa John and my sister Lena even made an appearance!

Ella:

Tonight…I’ll let everyone know…they all will know what kind of person Deron is…that Lucy should be mine. I should be heiress!

I wonder how they will take it.

Billie:

“I heard a lot about you little girl. You’ve grown up so much since I last saw you.” Grandpa John said with a smile.

“Thanks Grandpa…I hope I’ve made the family proud!” I said softly.

Grandpa John looked at me and grinned “Of course..as the first hairdresser and fashion stylist in Sunset Valley. You’ve made the family and city proud. Your grandmother Richelle would have been so proud of you.”

Mom walked over and smiled as she said “Dad are you talking my little girl’s ear off.”

Grandpa chuckled as he said “Probably..we elders tend to do that now and again.”

Mom smiled at grandpa and said “Dad…lets leave Billie to her hostess duties.” Mom steered Grandpa over to the grill where dad had served up some lobster.

I giggled to myself as I entered the laundry room. Two of Miles’ friends with benefits were waiting for Miles to acknowledge them. I recognized a third person behind them as Jing Liu…mom’s stepsister.

I wondered how she got in to the party and then decided it wasn’t worth mentioning to mom.  I gathered everyone together so that we could sing Miles happy birthday. Afterwards I realized how much he looked like dad.

I was cheering and laughing until I heard Lia arguing with someone. I ran over to see what was going on. I stopped in my tracks when I noticed the person she was yelling at was…Deron! I backed into the shadows so that they wouldn’t see me as I listened to them.

“You bastard! I know what you did to Ella! I know what kind of scum you are!” Lia screamed.

Deron looked around and said “Shut up you ugly b****, Why do you care anyway your adopted you aren’t really a Legend anyway!”

“I’m more of a Legend than you will ever be. How could you sleep with Ella, get her pregnant and then because of you she had an abortion. Then you get Billie pregnant! How couldn’t you tell me about any of this!? We have been dating for months!” Lia yelled.

I gasped..Deron and Lia?. I stomped towards Deron and placed my hands on my hips.

“How could you?!” I sneered.

Lia turned towards me, her blond eyebrow was raised as she said “Why does it matter?”

I rubbed my neck as I said..” Lia..Deron and I…are dating.”

Help me to be…

Billie:

I was soon in high demand by the locals for fashion advice. I quickly went from a nobody to a somebody. The wavy short hair had completed my fashionista look and also made me look younger.

Though I had begun to wonder…did I really want to be perceived as young? I needed people to trust my fashion advice and to respect me! I knew I had to tweek my look just a bit.

I was excelling in the fashion stylist industry and mom was becoming a respected artist and sculptor. I even paid her to do a ice sculpture of Lucy!

Mom wouldn’t take the cash so I gave her and Dad free make-overs!

Lucy:

After school I hung with one of my best friends…Darla Pendergast. I had known her ever since 1st grade, we chatted about the recent gossip at school. My great- grandpa John Legend was completely broke! His wife Elena and their two boys were living on his SSI checks. He had never worked a day in his life, he assumed the money from his inheritance would have been enough…he underestimated how much money five and a half children can cost!

I never wanted to worry about things like that. I wanted to just make things better for the environment. It seemed innocent enough right? Yet sometimes I had this burning urge to steal. I knew it was wrong but sometimes it felt as if the things wanted me to take them! I couldn’t let my family find out or anyone else. I could just imagine what people would think or say Did you hear about that Lucy Legend? Yes! the thief… how sad she must be a disappointment to her mother the stylist or her grandmother the sculptor and art legend or her grandfather the cooking connoisseur

I walked through the park as I contemplated all the things I had stolen over the last few weeks. A tube of lip gloss, some flip flops from Betty Jacobs and even homework from one of my cousins. I sighed at the disgust I felt within my self…I put my hands together and prayed Please make me a better daughter

What’s her problem

Billie:

The next day I asked dad to let me give him a makeover. He raised an eyebrow and tried to reject my offer. I pouted until he finally said yes. He followed me into the den and stood in front of my three-way mirror. Dad kept turning back to me asking “Are you sure about this?”

After pleading with daddy to trust me, I shaved his long unruly hair. I shaved his beard clean and touched up his eyebrows. He looked like a changed man.

I was rising in the ranks at the salon. I had given three successful makeovers and everyday people were calling me to give them a new look. I was surprised when I was given the assignment to go to one of the ritziest neighborhoods in town. I arrived at a beautiful mansion and ringed the buzzer. A woman answered and said “I will be right out..”. I was shocked when my twin sister Ella walked outside.

Ella walked outside in her designer workout suit and matching sneakers. I noticed the smug and snobbish look on her face.

“Ella?” I asked with confusion

“Billie dear..I heard you were the new stylist and I knew you would be perfect to do my makeover. You see my new boyfriend..he’s rich you see…filthy gorgeously rich! My new boyfriend Marcus needs me to go with him to Paris for a fashion show. I simply can’t show up looking like…well you know dear.”

I asked her why hadn’t anyone heard from her in years. We thought she was out of the country…and she had been across town all along. I sighed and decided I could always ask questions later. I smiled and said “No problemo Ella, I will make you look gorgeous.”

Ella smiled smugly and said “That’s a good girl.”

I gritted my teeth and wondered when had my big sister become such a bitch. I washed and teased her hair as I contemplated what had changed between us. What happened over the years that twin sisters had become strangers?

Ella looked gorgeous, as promised.  When I was finished she couldn’t stop smiling.

I smiled to myself as I expected Ella to thank me. Instead she stared in the mirror  and said “Nice…here is your money sister.” She said the last word like a curse.  I stared at her and asked “What’s your issue with me?”

Ella looked down to the floor and smiled to herself. She chuckled as she stepped down from the pedestal. She turned her toward me and I noticed her eyes soften as she said “You had the child…I should have.”

Ella briskly walked past me and threw money on the floor. I reached out to stop her but before I knew it she was gone. When I called her later that night, her maid said she and Marcus had gone to Paris. I had to find out what she was talking about.

Over the next few weeks I accomplished more amazing makeovers. The best one was of my uncle Mozart, he went from bleh to chic’ .

Mom and Dad had become even more sappy over the past few months. They went on romantic dates and stayed out until the sun came out…I guess it was kind of beautiful.